MR CAWTHRON’S INTENTIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 19 July 1924, Page 4

MR CAWTHRON’S INTENTIONS

HON W. W. SNODGRASS'S VIEWS

REFERENCE IN CITY COUNCIL

The speech made by Hon. W. AV. Snodgrass, M.L.C., in the Legislative Council last week in reference to his opinion regarding -Mr ('awl(iron's intentions was the subject of some remarks at the Council meeting last night. Cr. -Moffatt read Hon. Snodgrass's speech wherein it was stated that it- was the intention of the late Air Cawthron that the persons who at the moment of holding certain offices should be trustees for life; and that lie (Air Cawthron) had discussed the McCarthy bequest and had deliberately left liis will as it was because be’ did not want the administration of his great estate to depend on local elections. Continuing, Cr. Moffatt said some important and astounding statements had been made by the honourable gentleman which had come as a- great, surprise, lie thought, to every citizen in Nelson. All realised that as the result of the controversy the relations between some citizens had been somewhat strained, and some rather severe things had been said. Altogether he fully’ believed, that in many respects that those taking part in the controversy thought they were doing a public duty. He believed both sides were not prepared for the statement made by Hon. A’. W .Snodgrass. He went on to say that lie only wanted to see the wishes of tile testator carried out. “If Mr Snodgrass can produce substantial evidence' in support of his statement,” continued Ah- Moffatt-, “there is no reason in the world why those wishes should not be given effect to, and I take it that in such circumstances we will be entirely wrong, notwithstanding the legal authorities behind us.” He had reason to believe that the statement came as a great surprise to the Other side; and also to himself. Considering the high position Hie honourable gentleman held it was remarkable that he had not spoken sooner; and his statements were in direct conflict to his action in signing the request to Sir Francis Bell asking that legislation be brought down togive effect to the obvious intentions of the testator. Doubt as to the obvious intentions had been admitted by the Trustees in identifying themselves with the Bill and submitting the right of the public to have a seat on the Board. It was evident at the time that the Trustees did not possess the information nowgiven by Air Snodgrass. “As wo are out only for justice and what is right,” said Or. Moffatt, “if these statements of the honourable gentleman are correct there is no reason in the world why.they should not be given effect tQ. I am not willing to win a battle at. the expense of principle.” Cr. Moffatt then

proposed the following motion:— "That this Council respectfully' requests the Hon. AV. W. Snodgrass to bring evidence before the select committee of the Legislative Council at its meeting next Thursday, July 24, in support. of his statement that the late Thomas Cawthron intended that the persons nominated by him in his will as Trustees should hold office for the duration of their lives and also in support of liis other statement relating thereto made by him in his speech on the second reading of the Thomas Cawthron Trust Bill in the Legislative Council; and that a copy' of this resolution be sent to Hon. Snodgrass and to the Attorney-General.” In further remarks, Cr. Moffatt-, referring to Hon. Earnshaw’s question concerning the McCarthy Trust, said: “If that is true, then we nave no % case; but it is remarkable that Air Snodgrass did not disclose the information before.” Seconded by Cr. Edwards, who considered the question raised an important one. The statements by' Mr Snodgrass, be said; must-have come as a bombshell to the whole community. If correct, then the Council had been’ going on wrong lines altogether, and so had the Trustees; and he was quite sure that the Trustees themselves would like to see the matter cleared up.

Cr. Plum supported. The Mayor said without wishing to discuss the matter, that it appeared 'to him a most astounding statement to make considering that Air signed a paper asking for legislation to uive effect to the intentions of Air Caw throw’s will.. Now he says he. knows all about it. It was a monstrous thing. A most important question was involved and should be cleared up. The motion was then put and declared carried unanimously on the voices.