A POPULAR MAYOR

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 11 December 1930, Page 17

A POPULAR MAYOR

MR GALBRAITH HONOURED. LARGE AND REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING AT ASHBURTON. Tho esteem in which Mr R. Galbraith is hold by the citizens and business interests of Asliburton was evidenced by the large and representative gathering which assembled last evening to bid liim farewell before he leaves for Stratford, after serving a successful and unbroken period of 16 years as Mayor of Asliburton. During his residence of 17 years in Asliburton Mr Galbraith has served in an administrative capacity on a large number of local bodies, and this, with his genial manner, has earned for him the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact. Among those presont last night were Sir Win, Nosworthy, Mr D. Jones, M.P., Mr H. T. Armstrong, M.P. (chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board), Mr C. H. Clibborn (secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board), Mr 11. C. B. Withell (chairman of the Ashburton County Council), Mr F. W. Seldon (president of the Chamber of Commerce), Mr H. D. Johnston (president of the Advance Ashburton Association), Mr T. Hayes (deputy-chair-man of the Technical School Board), and Mr J. Findlay (president of the Keturned Soldiers' Association). A Good Record. The Deputy-Mayor (Mr E. Kerr) presided. He said that the large and representative gathering paid a great compliment to Mr Galbraith. During Mr Galbraith's term as Mayor he had looked after his duties as a gentleman and had taken a keen interest in the town and country. This was evidenced by the large number of bodies, including the Lyttelton Harbour Board, on which he had served. They all regretted very much his departure from Ashburton. Mr Jones said he was pleased to be associated with them at a farewell to Mr Galbraith, who had put up a great record by retaining the confidence of the public of Ashburton for 16 years. Ashburton residents had reason to bo proud of the borough's financial position, which was evidence of the capacity of the Mayor and Councillors. Mr Galbraith had passed through the trying periods of the Great War and the influenza epidemic, and Ashburton owed a debt of gratitude to his Worship tho Mayor. They were glad of tho opportunity to recognise his worth. Expressions of regret by reason of tho departure of Mr Galbraith were voiced by Mr Withell, on behalf of the residents of the county. Ho said that Mr Galbraith had filled the office of Mayor, and had acted on other bodies, with distinction. Good feeling had always existed between the Borough and the County Councils, and this was duo principally to the Mayor. The Council appreciated greatly what ho had done in connexion with the visit of distinguished visitors to the town. Mr Withell also paid a tribute to the many good qualities of tho» Mayoress, and said that he had much pleasure in adding his best wishes for the future prosperity of the departing guest and his family. Mr It. Kennedy, speaking on behalf of the legal profession, referred to the respect in which Mr Galbraith was held by the solicitors. Mr Galbraith fre? quently presided as a Justice of the Peace. Mr-Armstrong said he felt honoured to be able to say a word of farewell to such a popular man as Mr Galbraith. He was one of those who was popular even with those who differed in opinions from him. The speaker said that he had sat for ten years with Mr Galbraith, on the Harbour Board, and that had given him the opportunity of forming a good idea of the material of which he was made. Tlie wonderful progress everywhere m Ashburton would bo a standing memorial in his honour for years to come. The Board never haa a more able, or more popular chairman, than Mr Galbraith. On behalf of the Board he wished Mr Galbraith happiness and prosperity in his new sphere. A Presentation. In making tho presentation, of a, well-filled wallet of notes, on behalf of the residents of the town and county, Sir William Nosworthy said he was sincerely sorry that Mr Galbraith, who had presided at so many of his political meetings, was leaving; and the fact that M.r Galbraith had occupied the mayoral chair for so many years, through many trying times, was a wonderful tribute to his ability and popularity. The work he had done in connexion with local bodies was greater than many other men had accomplished, He was leaving the people of the countv with a deep sense of regret, and lie wished . him the best of happiness and prosperity. On rising to reply. Mr Galbraith was greeted with applause, followed by the singing of "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." He expressed his heartfelt thanks for the expressions of goodwill, and mentioned the outstanding events in the town during residence in it. Mr Galbraith also mentioned the progress that the town had made, instancing the amalgamation of Hampstead and Netherby with the borough, tho installation of the sewerage system, the construction of municipal abattoirs, the acquisition of an air port, the erection of a war memorial, and the formation of the Chamber ol Commerce, the Advance Ashburton Association, andv the Competitions Society. During his term, thirty-one. different councillors had sat under him. The revenue of the borough bad increased from £9424 lis lid in 1914-15, to £18.831 8s Id last year. Mr Galbraith said that without the co-opera-tion of members of the various bodies with which he was associated, he could not have done very much. It was to them that the credit was due. In conclusion, he wished them all the compliments of the season. A number of musical items given: supper was provided, and the function concluded with the ringing of "Auld Lnng Syne."