SPREYDON POLITICS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 828, 5 October 1916, Page 2

SPREYDON POLITICS.

EAST AND WEST. "AND NEVER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET." Like a river apparently pursuing an unruffled course, but beneath whose surface swirl eddying, and conflicting currents, there is often

conflict in the seeming serenity which distinguishes the conduct of the business of several of our local bodies. One of such examples is the Sprcydon Borough Council. Amongst other things in that desirable district, there is an east and a west ward, and the fact occasionally obtrudes itself in the governing authority's deliberations.

At last evening's meeting of the council, party feeling over the question, which had apparently been buried since a certain memorable occasion, come to the surface —for a space. >• •

The Works Committee's chairman, Cr O'Rourke, had just presented the monthly report, when Cr Rudd rose. "Mr Mayor," said he, "only one street out of eight in the East Ward has been graded. It appears that this part of the district is being neglected and I am going to protest in a more decided way if this stale of affairs continues. Ratepayers in the east district are contributing to the finances, but they are not getting a fair run and an adequate return for their money."

Cr O'Rourke was immediately on his feet in stormy protest against this insinuation on the Works Committee's impartiality. That the east district obtained a fair deal was the substance of his remarks. Cr Williamson also supported the Works Committee. Cr Manhire (to Cr Williamson): Well, you do change. You attacked the Works Committee because of its treatment of the East Ward for about an hour at the last meeting of the Finance Committee. Cr Taylor: He worked off steam there. (Laughter). The Mayor (Mr W. H. Winsor): Well, I think it is the first time Cr Williamson has supported the council! Cr Rudd again essayed to sneak, but the Mayor interrupted: Cr Rudd you are obstreperous this evening. The views expressed on the East Ward question found an adherent, however, in Cr Manhire. The ward, he said, was not getting a fair consideration and money was not being expended there to the same extent as in other districts.

Cr O'Rourke: Oh, you on the Finance Committee hold your heads very high! (Laughter). If the Works Committee had had more cash at its disposal it could have done more. As it is, several streets in the East Ward will receive attention in turn. I will see

Cr Rudd: Who instructs the workmen as to what they should do—the foreman or Cr O'Rourke? The result of this query was a storm of expostulation from the councillor named, whose comments, however, were cut short by the Mayor, who moved that the report shold be adopted. His motion was carried and party feeling again subsided—until the next time.

hour Improvement Committee for consideration. The New Zealand Branch of the British Bed Cross Society wrote asking for a donation to the "Our Day" fund. A sum of IMOO was granted. A deputation from the Waterside Workers' Union wailed upon the hoard asking that the union be given

the management of the Coronation Hall. The mailer was referred to the Improvements Commit tee.