ASKED TO RETIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1933, Page 5

ASKED TO RETIRE

BEEKEEPERS’ MEETING. OBJECTION TO OUTSIDERS. A tense atmosphere existed at the opening of a meeting of the South Auckland branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association in Hamilton on Tuesday morning, after the chairman (Mr. G. Gow) had asked any non-mem-bers of the association to retire. Among those present was Mr. I. Meltzer, representing the Provisional Beekeepers’ Enquiry Committee to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, which desires to re-organise the industry on a more remunerative basis, abolish the Honey Control Board, and establish free marketing. Mr. Gow requested any one present not a member of the association to retire. Mr. Meltzer asked if anyone holding proxies could remain. When the chairman ■ replied in the negative Mr. Meltzer asked for the rules governing proxies to be read. Mr. Gow: I am acting authoritatively and I now ask all non-members to withdraw. I am prepared to allow a deputation at 11.30. Mr. W. Nelson: We. don’t wish to gag anyone. Mr. H. Geddes (Rotorua): What are you doing then? “We will not allow our meeting Io be run by outsiders,” said Mr. Nelson. “Tliiis is an association of beekeepers and anyone who wishes to address us can form a deputation later.” Mr. Geddes: We are here by invitation and we ask to be represented by proxy. Mr. Gow: I have given my ruling. We cannot accept proxies. Mr. 'Meltzer: I bow to the ruling of the chair, but I think the chairman should consider whether he is adopting an unconstitutional procedure which may invalidate the whole of these proceedings. Mr. Meltzer then withdrew. Mr. E. A. Waters (Ngaruawahia), said he was not a member - of the association, but he had received an invitation to be present. Was he required to withdraw? Mr. Gow considered Mr. Waters should abide by his ruling. Mr. Geddes: Mr. Waters has been invited to be present. Now you say he is not entitled to be here. All right, go ahead. Tire responsibility is yours. Mr. Nelson told Mr. Waters that he must realise his presence was not desired at the meeting. Mr. Waters thereupon walked out and the business of the meeting was started.