STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR; '

Press, Volume L, Issue 15037, 4 August 1914, Page 11

STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR; '

"PREPARED TOTA__E A FIRM >

STAND.'?

"I need scarcely refer," said the Mayor (Mr.H. "Holland), at the meeting of the City Council last night, "to the deplorable war in Europe. lam sure 1 wo all sincerely regret-that practically the civilised world has boon plunged into a war'which will have tar-reaching effects, it is impossible to tell how the war may affect us in this country, but it is a mattor for' congratulation that we got our electrical loan floated and the money here. (Hear, hoar.)- It would have been a very much more - difficult matter to .have got the debentures'sold at .this juncture. .The Council should be congratulated that it took advantage of the money market at a most favourable time. It is gratifying to know, also, that there is not likely to be any serious delay in consequence of the war in tho delivery of our machinery and'appliances for the electrical works. There is a little anxiety, regarding the insulators, but nothing to cause alarm. .'-;'■ "It is impossible to say what duties I may have to perform, in the near future, but I "shall take no steps until. I am assured of the "urgency of. the.-case. We do not know what* may arise, and. I may have to act on my own initiative without having an opportunity of consulting the Council. I hope I shall not, but if I do I would like-to have the Council with mc to support mc in any action I may feel myself compelled to take in the interests of the community to preserve law and order. 1 am not ( apprehensive of • any such circumstances occurring, but in the moment of excitement we do not know what may happen, and 1 may have to take a,firm stand."

Cr. Sorensen: We will give you every support necessary. There, is no Councillor or citizen 'in Christchurch worthy of the name but what will support yon.and every other officer m the discharge of their duty. The Mayor: Thank you.