“STRICTLY BUSINESS!”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 21, 17 September 1912, Page 5

“STRICTLY BUSINESS!”

THE MAYOR ADDRESSES COUN-

CILLOES

.Some, of our local bodies conduct■ their meetings in haphazard fashion, consigning tlie rules of debate to oblivion, and generally acting with as little celerity and despatch as if the matters under discussion were more local gossip, and they, themselves, members of a sewing guild. In a modified form the simile applies to the Stratford Borough Council. It is by i no means the worst offender, but there j are times when Councillors might con-: fine their attentions to the matter in \ hand, and get straight to the point, j The matter was dealt with quite fully | and concisely by the Mayor at tlie; special meeting of the BorotTgh Conn-, cii last night, in the following terms: “I think yon will all agree with I me,” he said, “that while it is necessary that the Council’s business should proceed with caution and care, wej should do something to ensure our work being done in as brief a time as I possible-. But as far as curtailing! Councillors in debate. I don’t wish to | be misunderstood. I have no intention whatever of curtailing Councillors in debate. There is one thing, however, which I wish to mention— j talking while a Councillor is address-1 ing the Council. It is quite impossible for us to conduct our business properly, while that goes on. ' There have been stage whispers as to wheth-j er a motion is in order or whether a Councillor is in order in speaking to a| motion. That should rest with me asi chairman to say whether a motion is; in order or to say whether a Conn-; cillor is in order in speaking. I am j quite prepared at all times to give aj ruling if the Councillor will rise to his j feet and formally protest. That is | quite right, but unless the Council is' going to do that we don’t want to hear those stage whispers going round thoj room. Another matter—if any Conn-! cillor desires information from any of; tlie Borough officials I desire that that; he asked through me, and a reply will! lie given through rne in due course.! As far as the rules of debate are con-, corned it is necessary wo should have j them, but I wish to say that it is not my intention at all times to adhere to them slavishly, as there are occasions when it is necessary that they should be varied. I think that can be safely left in my hands_, I am quite certain that you will give me every assistance to conduct our business as it should bo conducted.” Chorus of Councillors: Hear! Hear!