MAYOR INCENSED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20852, 7 October 1937, Page 8

MAYOR INCENSED

CHALLENGE TO COUNCILLOR By Telegraph—Press Association PALMERSTON NORTH, October 5. A surprising situation developed at the conclusion of the meeting of the City Council last evening, when a challenge to Cr. Hodgens, M.P., to resign from the council and contest the Mayoralty with him, the loser to retire from public life for four years, was issued by the Mayor, Mr A. E. Mansford. “My word has been doubted to-night, not for the first time,” said the Mayor. **l have been accused of bribery and corruption. It is past the stage where it should be allowed to go on. I have been patient, but we are sent here by the people to do the people’s business. There have been statements made in connection with my coming out on the platform, and in connection with the appointment of the gasworks manager. I am going to make a suggestion to Cr. Hodgens that if he likes I am prepared to resign from the Mayoralty and contest it with him, but the loser pays for it and retires from public life for four years.” Cr. Helens said he understood a challenge had already been made to the Mayor by men at the gasworks to address a public meeting with them. He would not attempt to enter the challenge “’ready made. “We can discuss e challenge just made when the first challenge is settled satisfactorily, added Cr. Hodgens. The matter was not carried further.