RUSSELL AFFAIRS

Northern Advocate, 19 April 1933, Page 3

RUSSELL AFFAIRS

(To the Editor.)

•Sir, —As the reporter of the Russell Town Board meeting at which Mr -Somerville states that ‘remarks of his made while the board was in committee were published/ and that he ‘vigorously resented such action/ may I bo allowed to reply through your columns. The remarks reported, exposed a particularly bitter attack upon a colleague who, being absent through illness, was unable to defend himself. One can quite understand, therefore, that Mr -Somerville was tilled with consternation to find the cold light of publicity illuminating his words. On the other hand, we have the fact that the reporter w r as sitting at the same table as Mr Somerville, -certainly not ten feet from him, and Air Somerville could not but see that notes were, being taken. Yet he made no objection and raised no query. Nor did any other member of the board. The explanation is simple. The board had previously gone into committee over a particular matter, and, on the termination of that matter, had entered a minute in the minute book. Subsequent business was then dealt with and reported, one councillor in particular stating that ‘he did not -care if his opinion was reported or not’ —a strange remark to make in committee! And the chairman—when Air Somerville lodged his complaint—stated that “he was not himself aware at the time that the board was in committee!” I do not hesitate to say—neither was Air Somerville! But if he was, why did he sanction the passing of the accounts without asking that the board dome out of committee to do so? And if he was not, can it be that he is looking for a weapon with which to attack the exposure of his action? I am, etc., NOEL ENSOR FARRIS.