GREATER CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11512, 19 February 1903, Page 3

GREATER CHRISTCHURCH

THE MAYORALTY,

MR WIGRAM DECLINES NOMINATION.

A very large and influential deputation waited upon "Mr Henry F. Wigram yesterday, to ask him to come forward as a candidate for the mayoralty of Greater Christchurch. The deputation not only included a number of representatives of the mercantile interests, but also the Mayors of the surrounding boroughs of St. Albans, Linwood, and Sydenham, with several of their Councillors and members of the City Council.

Mr W. Recce suggested that the Mayor of Sydenham , should be- asked to act as spokesman for the deputation.

The Mayor of Sydenham, addressing Mr Wignun, said that they were met there that day to make a request to him to consent to be nominated as the first Mayor of Greater Christchurch. In, making this request, the deputation felt that they -were asking his Worship to make a very great sacrifice personally. But they felt that the position of Mayor of Greater Christchurch was one which called,for the services of the beet man that it was possible to obtain. During hie Mayoral career Mr Wigram had shown all the qualities which went to make up a successful mayor. The work done by him in connection with the advancement of Greater Christchurch was also a point, which the residents of Greater Christohurch felt entitled him to the position of first Mayor. There were present that day representatives of various local bodies, which would be included in the new city, and he felt sure that they would all express the feelings, not alone of themselves, but the people they represented, when they asked -Mr Wipram to accede to the request made to him that day. If he did so he felt sure that they would all help to secure Mr VV&rnm's return. Cr. Gray, on behalf of the City Council, assured Sir Wigram of their unanimous support. They had had the experience of twelve months' work with his Worship, and recogr.is;d the businesslike qualities ho had displayed in connection with the position. He had displayed the utmost zeal and interest in. tbe causa of Greater Christchurch, and for that alone, if for no other, was fully entitled to the position. It would be an honour to himself and to the city generally if he consented to occupy the Mayoral chair during the ensuing twelve months. There would be a very large amount 01 detail work to be carried out during the next twelve months in connection with Greater Christchurch, and they looked to him, as having the most intimate knowledge of tihese details, as well as the greatest enthusiasm, in connection with the scheme, to help carry the project to a practical conclusion. The Mayor of St. Albans said, on behalf of the St. Albans residents, now soon to be a part of the city, he felt sure that they would oe greatly" pleased , if Mr Wigram, who had worked so hard in the cause . f Greater Omstohurch, would consent to 'c nominated as Mayor. He personally hoped that Mr Wigrami would be the first Mayor of Greater Christchurch, as he had worked so energetically and co zealously in the cause of extending the city.

The Mayor of Linwood eaid that he felt sure that tie people of Linwood would be very pleased indeed to see Mr Wigram accede to the request of the deputation. It was through his energy that Greater Christchurch 'had come about, and on behalf of Linwood he expressed the feeling that no better man couid be found to take the position of first Mayor. Mr Wigram said be need hardly tell them how heartily he appreciated tie distinguished honour done to him that day. In fact, he felt great difficulty in finding words to express his feelings. He took it that tlio presence of the Mayors of St. Alba Dβ, Sydenham, and LLnwcod, with several of their councillors, wee an earnest of their opinion Miat b">. -had fouglifc the battle of Greater honestly and fairly. He felt that now they were working together for the welfare'and happiness of a united city. He thanked Cr. Gray arrd the members of the City Council for the magnificent support accorded to 'him in his work. It was_ just about a year ago when he was asked as an untried man to come forward for the position of Mayor. The confidence extended by the deputation that day meant a. great deal more. They asked him to become the first Mayor of Greater Uhristohurch, which wee a proof that they were satisfied , be had done his duty. Hβ had, he wished to cay, no lack of interest wiiatcver in the large questions before them, a.cd no lack of appreciation of the help be 'had received from all classes of the community during hie year of office. But during the last year he had lost his partner, and had now to take sole control of Mb busimge. Hβ had many most urgent and particular calls upon "his time, and though it was a most difficult thing to say no—and* the representative gathering that day made it stm harder—he hoped they would not press him to accept. He intended to offer himself as a, candidate for a seat in the Council, as ne took the greatest interest dn the working out of the scheme of Greater Chrietchurch. He thanked them for the honour they had done him, that day, but felt he must decline.

The Mayor of St. Albans eaid that Mr Wigram had spoken of the kindness shown him by the people of Christchurch. He would ask him to reciprocate that kindness and consent to come forward as the first Mayor of Greater Christchurch.

Mr Wigram said they were making it very hard for him to refuse, but there

were just as good men as he was, and better. (" No, no.") He had liad the good luck to come upon the scene when the harvest was ready, and had worked hard at the harvesting. ,But it was hia predecessors who had sown the seeds. Hβ could only repeat what he had said, that there were as good men as faimeelf,. and better, available to serve the citizens of Christchurch. (" No, no," and "We want you.") Cr. Gray said he trusted the reply of Mr Wigram to their request was not definite. If it were to be so it would be a very great disappointment, not only to the influential and representative deputation that wad there assembled, but a.so to ths people of Christchurch generally. He would suggest that if Mr Wigram wanted time to consider he should take a day or so. What they had said that day were no empty platitudes, but the-sincere wish of a large body of people tliat Mr Wigram wonld be th« first Mayor of Greater Christ-church. Mr Wigram said that he had had an intimation of what was to take place that day, and had given the question much thought. He could assure Cr. Gray and tho gentlemen of the deputation, whom he thanked mast heartily for the honour done him, that he had not come to the conclusion he had without grave consideration. He appreciated most thoroughly the honour done to him, but he could not see his way to accede to the request.

The Mayor of Sydenham said he felt sure the people of Christehurch generally would greatly regret the decision of Mr Wigram, as they had looked forward to eeeing him Mayor of Greater Christchurch, because no one more worthily deserved the honour.

The proceedings then terminated.