A MUNICIPAL DIFFICULTY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7270, 12 September 1884, Page 2

A MUNICIPAL DIFFICULTY.

(united press association.) Thames, September 11. An awkward complication has arisen in connection with the annual election of councilors for tho borough of Thames. The proceedings had been commenced in the usual form, but after the candidates in two wards had been declared elected unopposed, it was found the Returning Officer’s appointment did not empower him to conduct the elections iu subdivisions of the borough, It was proposed to continue the elections, relying upon subsequent validation by the Governor, but the Colonial Secretary has declared that he will decline to validate, though prepared to grant an extension of time for holding the elections, eo aa to enable the Returning Officer to be properly appointed, and the whole process will have to be commenced de novo. Matters are at present at a standstill, but at to-night’s meeting of the council, Messrs Farrell and Chappell, who bad been declared by advertisement duly elected, presented themselves, and after subscribing the customary declaration took their seats. Councilor McGowan protested against the proceedings as irregular, and he, with Wilson, Bowden, and Murdoch, walked out of the chamber, declaring that they would not participate in what they considered an illegal action. A quorum, however, remained, and business was proceeded with, it being decided that no action be taken excepting upon the advice of a solicitor.