CHALLENGE TO MAYOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21494, 18 May 1933, Page 8

CHALLENGE TO MAYOR

STKATFORD DISMISSALS REINSTATE OR RESIGN - 4 PREDECESSOR'S CLAIMS [by telegraph —own correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH. Wednesday Intense interest has been aroused in Stratford by tlae borough council's decisions to reduce the staff by the dismissal of thrco officials and four outside workers, in addition to reducing the salaries of higher paid officials whose services are retained. A challenge has been issued to the Mayor, Mr. J. W. McMillan, by the former Mayor, Mr. P. Thomson, who was defeated by the toss of a coin. Mr. Thomson makes claims in his statement "that grave injustice has been done to loyal and efficient officers and workmen; that the interests of the town and the ratepayers will be seriously prejudiced by the action taken by Mr. McMillan; that a blow has been struck at the principles of true democracy; that a misuse of his casting vote has fjeen perpetrated by Mr. McMillan.

"Whereas Mr. McMillan has Hot himself personally had a mandate from the people to carry out what he has done," 'Mr. Thomson's statement continues, "and whereas councillors who supported his policy polled a minority, of votes, and Mr. McMillan's action was opposed by a majority of councillors at the council meeting, I now publicly challenge him either to restore the status quo ante by restoring the dismissed members of the staff to their position, or resign his seat and recontest it, the loser to pay the municipal expenses of the by-election. If he does neither, 1 trust our citizens will not allow matters to remain as they now are —a scandal to the community and a travesty of democracy and justice."

Mr. McMillan's reply is that if Mr. Thomson has sufficient patience ho will have an opportunity of contesting a mayoral election in two years.