HEATED DISCUSSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 257, 31 October 1939, Page 5

HEATED DISCUSSION

BOROUGH COUNCIL ON CHRISTMAS FILMS Auckland, October 27. A heated discussion occurred at a meeting of the Te Aroha Borough Council between Cr. W. C. Kennedy and the Mayor, Mr. R. Coulter. The incident occurred after the council had decided not to alter its previous decision banning films on Christmas night. “You would have granted the request last time provided the employees were not forced to work.” said Cr. Kennedy. “Now you sidestep that and turn it down.' The Mayor objected to the term sidestep and said that last time he was willing to grant the application on the condition that no employee should have to work against his will. There was no undertaking to that effect in the letter now before the council. Cr. Kennedy: The council has no right to dictate in any man’s business. The Mayor: Local bodies have that right in this case. Cr. Kennedy: It is pure dictatorship. That is what we are fighting overseas and in this country too. The Mayor; Order. 1 am in charge of this meeting and you will keep quiet when called to order. Cr. Kennedy: You are a dictator. The Mayor: If you do not keep order I know how to deal with it. Cr. Kennedy: Deal with it now, then. The Mayor: You will keep quiet when called to order, Mr. Kennedy. When Cr. Kennedy rose to speak he was ordered to resume his seat, and the ordinary business of the meeting