BURYING THE HATCHET.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 882, 7 December 1916, Page 2

BURYING THE HATCHET.

A SPREYDON CONTROVERSY.

TURBULENT POLITICS. A somewhat turbulent spirit has characterised meetings of the Spreyclon Borough Council lately. The conllicting currents of opinion eddy and swirl round the east and west ward controversy. The question was again heatedly debated at last evening’s meeting, the ultimate issue#being a denunciation by the other west representatives of the ward champion, Cr D. Williamson.

A communication was received from the New Zealand Municipal Association's solicitor, Mr J. F. Martin, containing an opinion on a report pre* sentc.d by a special committee at the previous meeting regarding a recommendation for a change in the system of election and representation in: the borough. Mr Martin's letter raJi as follows:—"It is not possible, under existing legislation, for candidates for borough councils to be nominated in their respective wards, and the whole of Ihe electors to have a vole for the whole of the candidates for the council. Where it is desired that all the electors, should vote, the borough must be an undivided one."'

The Mayor (Mr W. H. Winsor), siated that the effect of the letter was that the Act did not provide for the adoption of such a scheme of rearrangement of the ward system of election as' suggested by the special committee. Such a suggested change would require a special Empowering Bill to Pe passed by the Legislature. As to adopting proportional representation as an alternative, he did not favour that system.

Cr O'Rourke then moved that the Council should take the necessary action and obtain the sanction of Parliament on tne lines suggested in the letter, i.e., to provide tnat four representatives should represent each ward, but should be elected by the whole of the borough.

Cr Manhire moved as an amendment I Hat the ward system should be abolished. Cr Williamson said that undoubtedly the west ward was not properly represented. Cr Rudd: You have four councillors.

Cr Williamson adduced arguments to show that the West Ward had suffered in comparison with the East. The Mayor said he had consulted the books of the council and found that during the past five years there had been more money spent in the West Ward than in the East. The system''Suggested by the committee would ensure that one ward could not pull against the other and secure a majority of representatives. Cr Williamson need not

Cr Williamson: I sav r The Mayor: That will do, Cr W r ilr liamson. Cr Williamson: R will not do. You take advantage of your position in the chair on every occasion and act in an unseemly manner towards me. You—— . -

The Mayor:. Sit down! Cr Williamson: Pin going to finish my statement, I The Mayor: I. do not want to tell you again- >■

Cr Williamson: You shouldn't interrupt me. J-. ,Cr Rudd considered that it would be better to let the system .of election by wards remain as it was. 'Cr Taylor said that the system as recommended by the committee was the best. As to proportional representation, it would make things worse than they were now. It would divide the district into groups. It; would not ensure the best men being elected, as votes would be- transferred to men, without the direct desire of the electors. It was a remarkable thing, with all due respect to Cr Williamson, that he had never heard a claim by the West Ward ratepayers ; that they were labouring under injustices. The whole of this rivalry came from the council itself. The amendment was lost. -

Cr Williamson then moved as a further amendment:—"That the ward system should be adopted, hut that thje rates collected in each ward should be expended on the particular ward."

Cr Taylor: That's not abolishing the ward system.

Cr Williamson then stated that if certain officers undertook more responsibility in their work, it would save the Council's time. The Council advertised for capable men, btit look the work out of their hands. The Mayor: You can't discuss the Works Committee's business. Cr Williamson then said that if his motion was carried; the district would secure proportional representation .

Several councillors: There's not a word about proportional representation in your amendment. '

Cr Williamson explained that he had meant to include it and proceeded to say (hat if under that system the district divided itself into groups, it would be for the best. It would ensure that these sub-dislriets did nol lose their identity.

Cr Manlurc: Whatever system is adopted, it will nol affect the dissatisfaction as between the west ward and ils representative Cr Williamson. Cr Williamson—[The Mayor: That will do, Cr Manhire, I won't allow these personalities. It is time this ridiculous position was ended. What are the views ol the west ward representatives? Do they know of any dissatisfaction?

In reply, Crs Elliot! and Hayes, west ward representatives, denied (hat there was any dissatisfaction in their district. The west ward was perfectly satisfied that it was beinfi fairly dealt with.

Cr Rudd, another west ward representative, said he resented Cr Williamson's reflections anainst the east ward. It was such si rife en-

gendered by Cr Williamson, which j often prevented the best men from standing for election to the council. Cr O'Rourke, also a representative! from the west ward, said that the reports of the council meetings which appeared in the newspapers over the | east and west ward controversy i were not benefiting Spreydon. The Mayor expressed his pleasure ' at the turn things had taken, and hoped that in future councillors would work harmoniously together. He called for a seconder to Cr Williamson's amendment. I Cr Williamson: I must first reply; i to, the personal charges The Mayor: You have no right . i Cr Williamson: I have . The Mayor: The amendment lapses' s , ! for want of a seconder. , | Cr Williamson: I refuse to allow your Worship to——. The Mayor: Sit down! All those j in favour of the motion say "aye." The motion was carried, Cr;. Williamson voting against it. |; Cr Williamson again attempted to ' speak, but was called down by the ; Mayor. Mr Winsor: Cr Williamson, you're not in order . Cr Williamson (amid interruptions and uproar): I challenge you and your rulings. I am prepared to , go to the people if you will . | ; The Mayor: Sit down! Cr Wiliiamson (shouting): This business to-night is a put up job; you'd all arranged it beforehand. Not one of von ——. Cr O'Rourke (excitedly): Sit down! sit down! Chorus of councillors (loudly and sternly): Sit down! • j;