FEELINGS RUN HIGH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18389, 3 May 1923, Page 9

FEELINGS RUN HIGH.

PUKEKOHE COUNCIL.

MAYOR AND COUNCILLOR.

MEETING ABRUPTLY CLOSED.

The first meeting of the Pukekohe Borough Council, which was held last evening, proved of a decidedly ''lively" nature. The Mayor, Mr. J. Routly, presided, and there were also present, Messrs. P. H. Basley, R. Wilkinson, .1. McArthur, G. Parvin, J. Stembridge, M. Cronin, W. S. Russell, and D. R. Hamilton. ■ .

The Mayor, in his opening remarks, said that he could offer no welcome to some of the members, and referred unfavourably to a certain circular, and a certain "ticket" opposed to him at the recent election.

A "breeze" occurred later between the Mayor and Mr. Parvin. Mr. Routly wished to include Mr. Hamilton on several committees, but Mr. Parvin made a counter-proposal, not including Mr. Hamilton's name. The Mayor then asked if Mr. Parvin had no respect for his suggestions, and on a show of hands, Mr. Hamilton's name was included in the lists.

A decidedly angry passage at arms occurred between the Mayor and Mr. Parvin a little later. On the latter asking if the town reservoirs could not be kept, filled, he was ordered by the Mayor to sit down. Mr. Routly remarked that he could see lively times ahead, and with this Mr. Parvin expressed his agreement. The Mayor then literally "read the Riot Act," for he picked up the county bylaws, and again ordering Mr. Parvin to down, quoted from them his authority for doing so. Only a short time passed before another "breeze" occurred between the same persons. ' ;'"-* Mr. McArthur later asked in a very bitter manner to whom the Mayor referred when he spoke of the opposition ticket. Tho Mayor replied that he did not mean Mr. McArthur. Subsequently, Mr. Parvin rising to speak, the Mayor announced that he had left the chair. The council then dispersed in some disorder. ..