A LIVELY DEBATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 836, 10 March 1903, Page 3

A LIVELY DEBATE.

N .WAIHI BOROUGH COUNCIL

The scene which took place at the Waihi Borough Council meeting during a debate on Mr Donaldson s motion that the Council pledge itself to the policy of day labor was almost sensational at times, some of the public applauding at intervals. Mr Donaldson said he wished the Council to affirm once for all the principle of day labor, as opposed to contract. He went on to say that the Waihi Company started the contract system. He did not blame the Company, but blamed the workmen for allowing such a state of affairs to exist. The policy for the future should be laid down by, the Council

Mr Campbell: It’s all very well, but how do you get the boots ? The Mayor : Order, Campbell ! Mr Campbell : All right, your Worship, but i can’t stand this nonsense. These contract boots !

The Mayor : Cr Campbell, will you kindly s'it down _ Cr Donaldson, resuming, said it was true that some boots were made by sweating, but lie would be no party to introduce such a damnable system—such a curse, to civilisation —into Waihi;, Mr Ross said a few months ago, Waihi was sailing placidly on the waters of contentment, but the Waihi Company had brought in a state of affairs that was driving away the men who had built up tne place. The only men now could make wages were the younger men. The result of the contract system was to lower the value of property. Houses which ten years ago brought £l5O could now be had for. £75. It had come to such a pass that in the stopes the smoke was barely away when the men had to return to work. Mr Campbell : What “ tommy rot.” I can’t sit quiet. .«, The Mayor : Order ! I insist Mr Campbell : I would like to ask if he would lend money at two and a-half The Mayor : Cr Campbell, I must ask you Mr Campbell : I’m sick of it. Here is. my resignation (seizing some paper —which was promptly grabbed by other Councillors). Mr. Ross continued : The Waihi Company has neither body nor soul. Mr Dick i, Cut it short; it’s all bosh. tz fes Messrs Donaldson and Ncwth demanded withdrawal of the latter words, j-, Mr Henderson rose to explain thgt a motion tabled by him regarding contracts had been withdrawn. Mr Ross was resuming, when Mr Donaldson said the offensive words had not been withdrawn. The Mayor, asked Mr Dick to withdraw. Mr Dick : I’ll resign first. I say it again ; it’s nonsense. (Mr Dick commenced to write out his resignation). t— t-s The Mayor said to resign was not necessary, as the election would be held next month. Resignation would cause expense to tho Council. The words were then withdrawn, but the Councillor refused to apologise. Mr Campbell said the speech made tby Mr Ross was unnecessary, particularly in the dying hours oi the Council, ‘ All the Councillors were staunch supporters of day labor, Mr Donaldson replied, and the motion was put and lost. The voting was as follows : For the motion— Crs Slcvin, Ross, Newth, Donaldson,and Katz (five) ; against—The Mayor and Crs Campbell, ArsCdtt, Dick, Tanner, and Henderson (six). During the scene, the Council Chambers was well filled by the public, who took great interest in the dis-