COUNCILLOR’S RESIGNATION

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1928, Page 4

COUNCILLOR’S RESIGNATION

INGLEWOOD COUNTY AFFAIRS. At the meeting of the Inglewood County Council yesterday, Cr. A. E. Lawrence, one of the mem here of the West Riding, forwarded his resignation, which was worded as follows: “To whom it may concern.—l, the undersigned, hereby tender my resignation from the Inglewood County Council. The chairman (Cr. Stuart) expressed regret that th© resignation had been put in and, in moving that it be accepted with regret, remarked that Cr. Lawrence was a councillor most conversant with the business of the council, being a genuine man and a friend of Hie ratepayers. As a member of tfip works committee councillors all valued bis opinion, as he had previous experience as a contractor. Cr. Hunter moved as an amendment that Cr. Lawrence be asked to reconsider the resignation, and the chairman said he would only be too pleased if he would do so. Cr. Cowley said the chairman must know that the real reason for Cr. Lawrence's resignation was beeatue lie was sore over the way in which the contract for the Maketawa deviation was let, and because he could not see his way clear to remain on a council that did what appeared to be “underhand wort.” The chairman said he did not feel any responsibility for the resignation, as the full council had accepted the lender. Cr. Corkill said the positioi regard ing the acceptance of that tender at £275 had not yet been made clear. The chairman: The business is the consideration of the resignation. Cr. Corkill said it would lie seen that Cr. Lawrence was not satisfied with the conduct of affairs, but instead of resigning, the better way would have been to have remained and put things right, Cr. Jones seconded the motion. Brief discussion took place over the amendment that Cr. Lawrence be asked to reconsider the matter, members doubting if the council had power to do so. The chairman remarked that there were important matters cropping up in connection with the riding. Personally, he regarded Cr. Lawrence as one of the best members of the council, and would be pleased if he came back. The resolution accepting the resignation w-as carried.