WHICH FIRST?

Southland Times, Issue 22731, 6 November 1935, Page 7

WHICH FIRST?

COUNCIL OR POLITICS.

QUESTION OF MEETING DAY. There was a short but bright exchange at the City Council table last evening regarding the advisability of postponing the next meeting of the City Council from Tuesday, November 26, to Thursday, November 28, owing to the fact that the Tuesday was the day preceding the general election. “Why should we postpone the meeting?” asked Councillor J. R. Hanan when a motion that the next meeting be held on November 28 was moved and seconded. “The position is that three members of the council are candidates. All hope to go to Wellington for three or four years. Why should we alter the date of our meeting for them? We can transact the business without them.”

“Well, elections are very upsetting. They are no good for the country or the town,” said the Mayor. “Little business can be done on the eve of an election.” “I don’t think we should alter the date,” said Councillor G. E. T. Dorman, “merely because three candidates who are members of the council wish to hold political meetings. It’s not as if they were national meetings.” “It’s only out of consideration to some of your fellow councillors,” said the Mayor. “If you don’t choose to do so, the meeting can well be held on Tuesday.” “I think the candidates should consider the council first and hold meetings on another night,” said Councillor Dorman.

The motion agreeing to postpone the meeting until the Thursday was carried.