A COUNCIL BREEZE

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 December 1932, Page 6

A COUNCIL BREEZE

SPORT ON SUNDAYS. AIEAIBER ORDERED FROAI ROOAI. A general controversy on the question of Sunday sports at the Alcmorial Park was raised at a meeting of the Greytown Borough Council on Alonday, following receipt of a letter on the subject from the Rev. 11. AVliitc. Cr. Greathead at once moved that sports bodies be not allowed to play on Alcmorial Park on Sundays. This was seconded by Cr. I. Blissctt, but it was ruled out of order, as a minute stated that they could play on Sundays, but not during church hours. C'r. Frank Demies moved that the present minute be rescinded, and as the Council was unanimous, it was carried. Cr. Greathead and his seconder again moved their resolution. The voting was five to four, Cr. Gates being present, but refusing to vote. The Alayor (Air 11. T. Rees) observing that the voting was four for and four against, turned to Cr. Gates and said: “How do you vote?” Cr. Gates said! lie would not vote one way or the other. The Alayor: “You must vote, C'r, Gates. ’ ’ C'r. Gates still persisted in not voting. The Alayor: “Cr. Gates, you must either vote or leave the Council Chamber. ' ’ Cr. Gates thereupon walked out. Cr. Tate rose to a point of order as to whether Cr. Gates could leave the 'Council, as he was present at the time the resolution was put. This led to considerable discussion, and the Clerk turned up the Council’s by-laws, and found that a line up to £5 could bo inflicted, but the rules were ultra vires, in quoting an Act that did not now exist. 'Cr. Tate, rather than waste the time of the Council, withdrew his opposition, and on the casting vote of the Mayor the motion was lost. Cr. Deunes then moved, and Cr. Alorgan seconded, that sports games be permitted on Die Alcmorial Park on Sundays, except during church hours. This was carried, the voting being the same as on tho previous motion. Cr. Gates was called to take his seat again, but he had left the building.