REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22525, 16 September 1936, Page 14

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

DEPUTY-MAYOR'S CLAIMS

ALLEGED POLITICAL ACTION

[BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Tuesday

" I was somewhat surprised to learn of the extremes to which the majority of tho council; went last evening," stated Mr. J. Hodgens, M.P., commenting on the action taken by the Palmerston North City Council in removing him from the position of deputy-mayor and from membership of a special committee to confer with the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board representatives.

" My resentment as expressed rn a telegram was a result of false charges levelled at me by Mr. Tenncnt some weeks ago, when Mr. Tennent made certain allegations against me in connection with the engagement of council employees," Mr. Hodgens said. "It seems to me that this is a political move, and colour is lent to that assumption in view of the fact that I am the only Labour representative on the conn* cil.

" The report published only gives ono side of the case, and in order that the public may learn all details I would welcome any Supremo Court action that might be taken against me, as that would give me an opportunity of letting tho public know how the inquiry was conducted, how witnesses were called, and (he manner in which questions put to witnesses were framed. I have noted t-ince tho election a marked political bias shown by certain councillors against me."