The Mayor of Masterton on Trial.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 169, 3 February 1888, Page 2

The Mayor of Masterton on Trial.

INFORMATIONS DISMISSED.

The famous trial of Mayor Renal! came off at Masterton on Wednesday, before Mr Von. Stunner, R.M. The insinua-

tions were brought against Mr Renall only, those against the workmen having been withdrawn, tbe MaW stating that he was quite willing to take the whole responsibility. After the bearing of th# cases, the R.M. said the framers of tho Act never intended that the Town Clerk shonld have power to involve tho ratepayers in a lawsuit w ithout the consent of the Corporation. The burgesses were represented by tlie Council, nnd ui.less Mr Brown could show that he was authorised by resolution of the Council, he had no power to lay the informations. A state of affairs had arisen in the Borough that was never contemplated by the Act. There wns only one way to restrain Mr Renall, and that was by an injunction of the Supreme Court. It was never intended that private individuals should be enabled to prosecute in such caves as these. The Council Xs the representatives of the ratepayers must take such steps. He was expressing no opinion on the merits of the matter in dispute, but he must rule that the informations were bad, and would therefore dismiss them without prejudice.