A MAYOR'S FINE RECORD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3099, 1 June 1917, Page 8

A MAYOR'S FINE RECORD

PJUvSENTATION '10 MR. ,1. \Y\ AI'EWAN. ilr. J. AV. M'Ewan, for ttio past ten years Mayor of Pctone, was met by a representative body of Petono citizens in tho Palace Theatre last ovoning, and presented with a testimonial for his services to the borough. Mr. T. M. IVilford, M.P., w;ho mado tho presentation, said ho considered the presentation to bo unique, inasmuch as it was a recognition of the work of a man who was still alive. Usually tho good things said about public men were only inscribed upon their tombstones. Ho referred to the number of times that he, as a membor of Parliament, had had to meet Mr. M'Ewan in the publio interests, and lie said that, he was convinced that the borough should congratulate itself upon having such a Mavor. Mr. Wilford also thanked Mr. M'Ewan, on behalf of Mrs. AVilford, for tho part ho had played in helping her to keep the Children's Hospital open to children only. Mr. M'Ewan had always d/mc his duty without fear or favour, and with his eyo ever to the public good. Mr. 'Wilford read to the meeting a communication from Mr. p.. 0. Kirk, a former Mayor, who was unable to bo present. Mr. Kirk wrote:— "T esteem it a privilege to put in writing a few observations which I bono may bo pertinont to the occasion. Tt is so very seldom that the unselfish endeavours of a public man to serve his fel-low-citizens are recognised while he is still holding a. responsible position that I thnk it is peculiarly gratifying to find that the people of Petoae are by no means insensible to the very great claims Mr. M'Ewan has to their respect and gratitude for the long, arduous, and successful efforts he has made to advance the town and forward'' its interests in every particular, not only as Mayor of Petono but as its representative on the Hospital and Harbour Boards. It surely must be considered almost unique that in a town like Pctone, whose oxisteneo as a borough extends over a period of not exceeding thirty years, its destinies during twenty years" of that period should havo been guided by councils presided over by only two men. I had the privilege and honour of being associated with various councils as your Mayor for a period of ten years, and now Mr. M'Ewan has completed ton similar years of service. In view of the fact tluit we sometimes hear of criticisms from present-day ratepayers that Pctone is a highly rated borough, it may not bo out of place for me to remind the present generation of the difficulties which those in charge of affairs in the earlier days had to overcome ami to sketch lightly what had' to be done before the present—citizens could enjoy the comforts, conveniences, and safeguards of a modern town." Mr. Kirk proceeded to outline the qarly history of the borough, and the principal municipal works carried out, spine of which, he said., were niomuments to the untiring ondeavours of tho gentleman whom they were honouring as their guest that night, and those associated with him. Mo Mayor, however capable and active, could do very much for the ratepayers unless ho was backed up by the intelligent co-operation of tho members of his council. Mr. M'Ewan and the Mayoress well deserved all tho encomiums which would no doubt bo passed upon them that night, having been ever active in all good works', and he trusted they might be long spared to continue their municipal and philanthropic endeavours. Other speakers also referred to the good work done by the Mavor. A programme of musical and elocutionary items was greatly enjoyed.