ERDINGTON DISTRICT COUNCIL
THE ANNUAL BUDGET – NO INCREASE IN THE RATES
Great Increase in the Tramways Receipts
The ordinary monthly meeting of the above body was held at the Council Offices, The Park, Erdington, on Wednesday evening last. Councillor W. Smedley Aston, J.P. (chairman of the Council), presided, and the other members present were Councillors W. E. Lee (vice-chairman), W. J. Adams, J.P., J. Barnwell, R. B. Batty, H. Bown, J. Butler, S. J. Dixon, Dr. Donovan, Dr. Paget Evans, C.C., A. V. Ingall, Charles Smith, J. Towers, and T. O. Williams, J.P., C.C.; with Mr. Wm. Ashford (clerk), Mr. A. M. Hidden (assistant clerk), Mr. John Ireland (accountant clerk), and Mr. H. H. Humphries (surveyor).
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Councillor Smith’s Repudiation.
Councillor Smith said he also had a letter to read. It would be remembered that, at a recent meeting, when a question of tenders was being considered, his (Mr. Smith’s) honour was attacked by a member of the Council, and it was attrbuted to him that, in a specific case, he had communicated what had transpired in committee to an outsider interested. He at once communicated with the party mentioned, and had received the following reply:-
Chester Road, Erdington;
March 26th, 1910.
Memo. from Davis and Son, Builders.
To Mr. Chas. Smith.
Dear Sir, – I am in receipt of yours this afternoon re a charge of breach of confidence alleged by a member of the Erdington Council. I do not know what matter you refer to, but I can honestly say that I have not contributed to any breach of confidence in Council matters, either to you or any other Councillor, so far as I am aware. I have not even the pleasure of your acquaintance. – Faithfully yours, W. J. Davis (D. and S.)” That letter, he thought, contained an ample refutation of the charge made against him, and showed that he was not the Judas that was thought. He hoped, however, if these leakages – these breaches of confidence – did occur, it would be found out who was at the bottom of them. (Hear, hear.)
The Clerk: Perhaps Mr. Smith would like that letter entered on the minutes.
Councillor Smith: Certainly I should.
The Chairman moved that the letter be received and entered on the minutes, and this was agreed to.
Councillor Lee said he, perhaps, ought to add a word, as he was the Councillor referred to. He was sorry that Mr. Smith had taken the matter so warmly to heart, and that he had regarded it so seriously. He thought Mr. Smith would admit that it did look at the time as if he was the party who had communicated certain information, and Mr. Smith must feel glad – as they all were – that he had been afforded the opportunity of clearing the matter up, and that he had been able to do this so satisfactorily. (Hear, hear.) He did not know if Mr. Smith wanted any withdrawal, but, if so, he (Mr. Lee) tendered it in the fullest and most generous manner possible. (Hear, hear.)
Councillor Smith said he accepted it in the some [sic] spirit. At the same time it was rather strong to make such a charge against him in the presence of his colleagues. Evidently there was a leakage, and it was time it was stopped. (Hear, hear.)
(Erdington News, Birmingham, 9th April 1910)
Our Family 2 