Cr. Against National Service Support Move

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1949, Page 6

Cr. Against National Service Support Move

BECAUSE one councillor dissented, a move to support compulsory national service could not be proceeded with at a special meeting of the VVhangarei Borough Council last night. The sole dissentient was Cr C. J. Homer.

At a special meeting it is only possible to discuss the items listed on the agenda, unless councillors present are unanimously in agreement that a new subject should be introduced. Last night the questioh or compulsory military service, which was not on the agenda, was introduced and the Mayor (Mr W. Jones) said he could not accept a motion unless the council was unanimous in allowing the subject to be discussed. Cr Homer, who is a Rehabilitation Department employee objected to compulsory military service and the Mayor had no option but to disallow the suggested motion.

Cr H. W. James, a returned serviceman, moved that the council should give its fullest assistance to the Government in. support of compulsory military training.

This was seconded by Cr F. E. Eyles. who is president of the Whangarei RSA.

The town clerk (Mr L. O. Hall) pointed out that, as the special council meeting had been called for a particular purpose it was not competent for the council to discuss another question. The Mayor ruled that, if the council was unanimous, he would accept the motion.

Cr Homer said be was against compulsory military training. He said he would like to hear all sides express their views on this question.

The Mayor said he would chair any meeting debating the question, except a meeting called by Communists. Cr Homer said he would chair a meeting of Communists considering the compulsory training question. “I would like to see a Hyde Park in Whangarei where all could have a chance to air their views,” he added. “Well, you go ahead with your job as chairman of the parks committee and get that area (the area at the end of Rathbone Street) developed for the purpose,” Cr James told Cr Homer.

The question was not pursued further.