RIVAL CHAIRMEN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2969, 9 May 1896, Page 4

RIVAL CHAIRMEN.

Auckland, May 0. One of tho greatest “ scenes ” that has taken place at a meeting of a public body occurred this morning, when the members of the Board of Education mot. Messrs R. Udy (chairman), Woodward, Wright, Luke, Lamle, Harris, aud Muir wore present. When the members sat down, Mr Harris proposed, and Wright seconded —“ That Mr Muir preside over the meeting.” Mr Udy said that there was a chairman, and asked tho secretary to go on reading the minutes. Mr Rice then commenced to read the minutes of tho meeting of April 1, Mr Muir objecting. Mr Wright then proposed that Mr Muir should be chairman of the board. Mr Harris seconded. Mr Muir called for a vote, aud was supported by Messrs Wright, Harris, and Lambo. Mr Muir said he was elected to the chair, and wan going to carry on tho business. The secretary continued to read tho minutes, but Mr Muir protested, Mr Udy contended that ho was chairman. The reading of the minutes was finished amidst interruption. Mr Udy refused to vacate the chair. Mr Muir took a chair aud put it at the left of Mr Udy, at tho head of the table. A scene of almost indescribable confusion then followed, members speaking in an excited state at the same time. Mr Wright then said ho was going out for a policeman to have the chairman arrested. They had been too quiet; they were going to work in a constitutional manner. Mr Lambs handed in a protest signed by himself, Messrs Harris, Wright, and Muir, protesting against the business transacted on April I, on the ground that there was no chairman. Tho secretary was about to put Sir R. Stout’s opinion on the table when Mr Muir said, “Let the members who asked for it pay for it.” The secretary apparently only recognised instructions from the Mr Udy as chairman. After a long wrangle, the secretary ro >d tiie chairman’s report. While this was being done Mr Wright took the minute-book to Mr Muir, so that the latter might sign as chairman. Mr Muir signed tho book, which was also signed by Mr Luke, who considered that ho had as much right to sign it as Mr Muir. Mr Udy did not sign, When Mr Muir was signing Mr Woodward said that he protested against any signature to the book unless by the proper chairman. Mr Wright contended that it was being signed by the proper chairman. The meeting then proceeded with the ordinary business, which was only conducted with considerable difficulty, owing to the interruptions caused by the efforts of the two chairmen in asserting their right to address the meeting in explanation of various matters dealt with. When the item on tho order-paper referring to the reading of Sir R. Stout’s opinion was reached, Mr Muir rose and said, “ Here is this opinion of Sir R. Stout again ; I protest against it being read.” As Mr Rice proceeded to read the opinion, Mr Muir said, “ I move the adjournment of the meeting. It is time for adjourning for lunch.” Mr Muir put the motion to the meeting, and it was carried. Before the members left tho room, however, Mr Lambe said he thought it would facilitate matters if the opinion was read over. It being decided that the opinion should bo read, this was done. Sir R. Stout’s opinion was that Mr Udy was legally in possession of the chair. After the luncheon adjournment, Mr Muir entered the room before the proceedings commenced aud took h's scat in the chair usually occupied by the chairman. Mr Udy entered afterwards aud seated himself alongside Mr Muir. Consideration of correspondence relating to the suspension of teachers at Horohora and Whangapoua was then proceeded with. It was resolved that tho matter be should be loft to tho committees interested. Both Mr Udy aud Mr Muir put tho resolution to tho meeting.