Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 11 January 1894, page 3


BALMAIN.

I A COUNCIL MEETING DECLARED ILLEGAL.

The Balmain Borough Council met last night. The Mayor (Alderman H B. Swan) presided, and there were present Aldermen M'Donald, G. Clubb, JP , Punch, J. A. Brodie, W Cullen Ward, D. H Easton, John Clubb, J.P., Alex. Milne, John Adams, and J. J wheeler. Shortly after the minutes were read Alderman Easton rose and took objection to the manner in which the meeting had been convened He contended that the requisite notice had not been given in accordance with the Municipalities Act, and hence, before the meeting proceeded, he would like to ask the Mayor what position the council was in Alderman Brodie said he was about to draw attention to the same matter He had no objection to proceed with the business of the meeting, but he declined to have anything to do with that which was illegal, the meeting is being held that night was undoubtedly illegal. He pointed out that the regular meeting of the council was set down for Tuesday evening, the 2nd January, and by a mutual arrangement the finance committee agreed to hold the meeting that night. His contention was that this meeting should have been specially convened by circular, and the requisite 24 hours' notice should have been given. The Mayor pointed out that, if the point had not been taken, he might have proceeded, but it would have been within the province of an absent alderman to question the proceedings, and the whole of the business would have been declared illegal. Under the circumstances he had no other course to follow than to uphold the point and declare that the meetin was not in order. The meeting accordingly closed without any business being done