TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MAYOR

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 191, 11 May 1944, Page 6

TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MAYOR

Wellington City Council In the dignity and culture he imparted to his office, in his earnest and sincere work for the city, and in his liberal and tactful handling of debates, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop had stamped himself as a mayor of outstanding merit,, said Or. M. F. Luckie, in a tribute to Mr. Hislop, for whom yesterday’s full meeting of the ■Wellington City Council marked his final appearance as mayor after having occupied that office for the longest period in the, history of Wellington civic affairs. Events of an outstanding character which had had a great bearing on the progress of the city had occurred during that period, said Cr. Luckie, and as the city’s chief administrator Mr. Hislop had given a splendid lead. He referred to the difficult depression years, the Centennial Exhibition period, the war, and finally to the two most severe earthquakes Wellington had experienced since 1855. Each had served to increase the burden of the mayoral office. A tremendous amount of work had been carried out, in which Mr. Hislop had never been found wanting, and it was universally acknowledged that he had performed his duties with conspicuous ability. Able assistance had been given by Mrs.' Hislop. Whatever may have been the differences of opinion held, it could be said that councillors always felt they had received a fair deal.

People were apt to forget the sequence of events at times, said Cr. W. Appleton. Mr. Hislop had become mayor at a time when the finances of the city were not in a healthy position. Ever since there had been a surplus. The exhibition and then the war had increased the mayor’s duties. The two serious earthquakes had seen the E.P.S. organization swing into operation. Only those closely associated with Mr. Hislop could appreciate the nature of his obligations and the manner in which they were performed. With the exception of Cr. B. Todd, who was unavoidably absent, all councillors joined in expressions of appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Hislop, the concensus of opinion being that Mr. Hislop had undeniably revealed himself as a mayor of outstanding ability and that, whatever differences might have existed on various issues, all sections of the community were conscious of the great value of his' 13 years of office. Crs. C. M. Bowden and R< McKeeu, who are not seeking re-election, took the opportunity to add expressions of thanks to the council officers.

It would fall to his lot to instal the new mayor and council, and he proposed on that occasion to express his appreciation more comprehensively of the assistance given him by past councils aud by the corporation’s officers, said Mr. Hislop. He thought he could claim that, no matter what had been the differences — and there was nothing like giving full ventilation to any differences, for out of them they hoped the truth emerged—he would go out of office conscious of having many good and loyal friends. Both he and his wife had enjoyed their term of office. It would be idle to suggest they would not miss all that it had meant. One could not change one’s accustomed routine of life without being conscious of the absence of something. He could also say he was leaving office in the pink of condition, both physically and mentally, to meet whatever lay ahead. “I would like tile citizens of this city to know how much work you councillors do, and will continue to do. in the performance of your office.” said Mr. Hislop. Amid laughter, he remarked that councillors did not get the same publicity as he did. Perhaps that was a good thing for them. He had received great publicity. and was not afraid of that, but be did wisli to make suitable, recognition of the work of councillors, and last, but by no means least, of the very efficient corporation staff. (Applause.) On the motion of Or. Lttckie it was decided to place on record the council’s appreciation of the services of Mr. and Mrs. Hislop, with the wish that the future would provide further avenues for distinguished service.