“A SMOKE SCREEN.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 13 October 1926, Page 9

“A SMOKE SCREEN.”

MR ANGLAXD’S ALLEGATION,

BREEZE AT POWER BOARD

Following discussion of a motion moved at yesterday’s meeting of the South Canterbury Electric Power Board, by Mr W. Angland, calling for a return of stocks and material held by the Board, a short exchange of words occurred between the latter and the chairman (Mr J. Kennedy), when information was asked by Mr Angland for particulars concerning the recent dismissal of a Power Board employee at Tennvka. Mr Kennedy said that the engineers had come to him seeking protection against the pestering they received from Mr Angland in regard to appointments to the staff.

Mr Angland: “I call that an absolute unqualified lie. I have sent a man to the engineer with a letter of introduction, but have never interfered in any way.” Mr Kennedy said he had two letters of introduction sent out with men by Mr Angland. Mr Angland said that he had given letters of introduction to two men, sons of ratepayers in the district, and sent them along to see the foreman." He had never approached the engineers, and would give £lO to any object if any of the Board’s officers could say that he had ever done so, or asked them for any information. Mr J. R. Bruce said he was opposed to any interference with the manager and his staff, and did not think that any man discharged)by the manager should go to the Board over his head. Mr Angland: “The chairman has brought the matter up to throw a smoke screen oyer my motion.” Mr Kennedy: “Please resume your seat, Mr Angland.” Mr Angland: “You arc gagging the members.” Mr Kennedy: “I don’t gag the members.” , Mr Angland: “Don’t, forget, Mr Kennedy, there is an Act and a Law Court.”

Mr Kennedy (rising from his chair): “Thank you, gentlemen, that is all the business.”