MAYORAL INSTALLATION

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 417, 16 May 1902, Page 3

MAYORAL INSTALLATION

GISBORNE CELEBRATES ITS QUARTER CENTURY ANNIVERSARY.

MR TOWNLEY’S RECORD. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS A COUNCILLOR, AND THIRTEEN YEARS MAYOR 1 The twenty-fifth anniversary of the Borough of Gisborne was eolebrated on Wednesday, and additional interest was added to the result on account of‘that day being also selected for the thirteenth successive installation of Mr J. Townley as Mayor. It is of importance to note that Mr Townley was a member of the first Council, and with Messrs T. Adams, W. F. Crawford, and W. Adair comprises tho four surviving members of the body mentioned. Tho gentlemen referred to were present at the installation ceremony on Wednesday, and the following Councillors wore also in attendance : Messrs D. Hepburn, J. W. VVhinray, J. A. Harding, A. F. Kennedy, W. D. Lysnar, R. N. Jones R. H. Mason, and W. Miller. The ceremony of inducting Mr Townley to tbe chair was performed by Mr J. W. Whinray, who made an excellent and appropriate speech. He could not claim tho honor of being a member of the first Council formed in Gisborne, but he could do so in regard to the second, and his relationship with tho present Mayor from that time down to the present had been of the pleasantost. In those days Gisborne was u very sandy spot, and it used to be remarked that there was not oven a stone to throw at a dog. He thought that, with tho funds available, great progress had been made, and the money had been well spent. This was a fact due principally to Mr Townley’s able administration. There was no other townsman who put so much time and energy into the welfare of the place, and with the important works that were now in contemplation, it was thought that they should have as a Mayor a gentleman who had tho interest of the

district at heart. (Applause.) He had, therefore, much pleasure in inducting the Mayor to tho chair, which he hoped ho would fill for many years to come. (Applause.) Having read and signed the usual declaration, His Worship took his seat amidst loud applause. Returning thanks for the high honor conferred upon him Mr Townley said that a quarter of a century had passed since the first election. Since that time the borough had increased in importance.. The members of tho Council he had sat with had all worked together in the best interests of the place, and had always abided by the ruling of the chair with willingness. This was a matter for congratulation, as the good feeling of members of the Council was absolutely necessary for the progress of tho borough. (Applause.) He hoped that, as in the past, tbe officers of the Council would work well together. The surroundings of the Borough are now much better than they wore, and in working well together they could do the most work.

Cr Bright, speaking as anew Councillor, congratulated the Mayor upon having successfully occupied the-Mayoralty for thirteen years. Thirteen, he said, was considered on the Bowling green to be an unlucky number, and the sooner one got off it the better; so it was now for the Mayor, at the end of this term, to come forward again and serve for the fourteenth time, to dispel this superstition. He considered that in few other towns was the Mayor held ittfßo much esteem as was the Mayor of Gisborne, and he concluded by wishing Mr Townley, his wife and family, health and prosperity. Cr Harding, who had sat with Mr Townley during his thirteen terms of office, expressed the pleasure he felt in seeing him returned to the position of Mayor unopposed. He considered Mr Townley should feel the proudest man in the colony. (Applause.) Mr Townley had, he said, the support of the majority of the ratepayers, who appreciated the efforts and time he put into the work of the Council. In the past they had had their little difficulties, they had made mistakes, but ho was sure that every Councillor had the interest of the district at heart, and no other object—and all had done the best in their ability for its progress. He wished Mr and Mrs Townley and family health and prosperity. The Mayor briefly returned thanks and expressed the pleasure he felt in being back in office. He had thought that a chaDge might bo desirable,' that the office should go round, and it was with great doubt that he had stood again for the Mayoralty. It was only right that there should be a change, but, carrying on as they were in a small way, it made little difference if he filled the chair for another year. INSTALLATION DINNER. At the invitation of the Mayor and Mayoress Councillors adjourned to Mr and Mrs Townley’s residence in Peel street, where an excellent dinner was provided. The guests were received by the Host and Hostess in a truly hospitable manner, and after a little while had been devoted to social intercourse, dinner was proceeded with. The tables were most artistically arranged and presented a very pleasing appearance. His Worship the Mayor presided, the vice chair being occupied by Mr W. F. Crawford, who has the proud distinction of being the first Mayor of the Borough. Mrs Townley occupied a seat on the right of Mr Crawford. Amongst those present were Crs Whinray, Hepburn, Lysnar, J. W. Bright, A. F. Kennedy, R. N. Joneß, J-. A. Harding, R. H. Mason, W. Miller, Messrs W. Adair and T. Adams (members of the first Council), R. Robinson (Town Clerk), E. J. Chrisp (Borough Solicitor), Cuthbert,

Gaudin (Times), Muir (Herald). The viands having been freely discussed, a number of toasts were proposed. The health of His Worship the Mayor and Mrs Townley was proposed by Mr W. F. Crawford, who stated that he felt in proposing the toast something in the position of the man w.ho proposed tho health of the Queen— the least said the better. Everybody knew Mr Townley’s good qualities, and he would only be getting himself into fearful difficulty in enumerating them ; in fact, he would keep them there the whole afternoon. It was a good job for Gisborne that they had a, man who took such an interest, not only in municipal but in harbor affairs. (Applause.) He had known Mr Townley when he first came to the Bay, and he thought the latter would see him leave, in fact, would take him away with him. (Laughter.) Mr Crawford, continuing, said he did not [ think there was a citizen in Gisborne for whom he had such regard in every way as ho had for Mr Townley, as a man, _ a public servant, and a right good fellow. He asked them to drink the health of Mr , ToWnl'ey, the Mayor, coupled with the names of Mrs Townley and members of the family. The toast was heartily ro- ‘ sponded to, being drunk with musical y honors. ' . ~ Mr Kennedy gaye a capital recitation, entitled “ The Showman.” Mr Townley, in replying, prefaced his remarks by stating that ho thought the present was a fitting occasion to have a little gathering of the Council, and also the members of the first Council. They had with them that day four of those who d formed the first Council, twenty-five years is ago He was pleased to see them all r > thore-that day. In the early days they (■ made very good progress under the control and guidance of Mr Crawford, who had u told them in conversation how tho byelaws wore made on a Sunday. Mr Crawford : “ That was m the dark

ages.” (Laughter). , t Continuing, the Mayor said that after twenty-five years of municipal work, he was sorry that they had not something more to look back 69, but the difficulty all along had been that they* had always , been a little circumscribed for means. The f ’ means were always limited for the amount h a ; of work they had to do. There was a ? e great deal to do in the future, which f: would require all the energy and skill which Councillors could bring to bear. 6 Energy had been ooaing out of every member, but unfortunately their energy could not control the financial position of jed the Borough, that being tho controlling ;r ; power. For man” ”*— j’ ney moved ve ~y ie ; slowly indeed, but there was now eveiy iy: prospect of a more prosperous condition iin, of affairs, and every indication of greater r er- expansion. He referred at length to the vas oeramony of opening the railway, to be held shortly, and urged upw members to

make the occasion one of the utmost importance. He hoped to see the County Council come forward and endeavor to make the function a success. It was well worthy of the greatest consideration they could give it, and would undoubtedly tend to increase the prosperity of tbe district. He hoped to see the railway forced ahead, and the place progress. Reference was made to the loan and tho present difficulty with regard to raising the same. He hoped in a short time that this difficulty would be overcome and tho money raised. After that would come the most serious periol in the time of Gisborne, for a water and drainage scheme meant everything to them. It was a great undertaking, and it would bo a serious thing if it were to be bungled. He was sure that the ratepayers were satisfied that tbe Council would go into it with caution, and he hoped that they would succeed in getting tho money shortly, and commence the work. With all their drawbacks he thought that the health of the district was as good as that of any town in the colony. There was not a case of fever in the place. He had conversed with several doctors, and was informed that the only sickness in the district was due to colds incident to the season. He was pleased to be able to report tbe health of the district to be in such an excellent state, and to keep it so was one of the greatost considerations. , Passing on, Mr Townley referred to the opening up of Native lands, stating that no doubt the Native Land Council Act would result in some improvement being brought about. There, was every hope of tho dairying industry increasing, and altogether there appeared to be a good future of prosperity for the district. The country was an extensive one. It was known to be good, and those who had been here for many years had the utmost confidence in its productiveness. He was pleased to see Mr Crawford and all others present that day. He thought it a good thing to have gatherings like the present one, and

they were certainly entitled to a htt«e

jollification after putting in a quarter ot a century in the quiet manner they had done. His Worship concluded with proposing the toast of “ The Commercial Prosperity of Gisborne,' 1 coupled with the name of Mr W. Gaudin.

A capital recitation was given by Mr J. W. Bright. Mr Gaudin, in reply, referred to the high opinion in the chief centres regarding Gisborne, which was looked upon as one of the best business places in the colony. He endorsed His Worship’s remarks as to the magnificent district which Gisborne had at its doors awaiting development, and urged the more speedy prosecution of the railway, which was of paramount importance to the commercial community. He also urged as far as possible that Gisborne should endeavor to keep its railway system within itself, and not seek connection with Napier or Auckland. He concluded by proposing the health of the Gisborne Borough Council, coupled with the names of Messrs'A. Kennedy and J. W. Bright. Mr Kennedy, in replying, stated that he felt proud to belong to the Borough Council. They -were all doing their utmost on behalf of the borough, and would devote their best energies to securing a water and drainage supply. He was glad to see Mr Townley again installed as Mayor, as the latter had been so energetic in pushing the district forward. The securing of a water and dramago scheme for Gisborne had been the one great object towards which Mr Townley had worked. It was the work of his lifetime, and he hoped to see both obtained before Mr Townley left the Council. He hoped Mr Townley would long live to be the Mayor, and that the works he was striving so hard for would be carried out, and become a great success. —(Applause.) ‘ Mr Bright referred to the magnificent district in which they all had the honor to reside, stating that there was no question whatever about it—that nothing could keep this district from progressing, for the reason that they had such a grand country forming its background. He had hopes, togother with those who lived to witnees the golden wedding of the municipality, to see a city which few of them dreamt of at the present time. When one went round the district and saw the splendid country that there was behind Gisborne, one was forced to the opinion that it must be a city of great magnitude. Last year when he met the directors of his Company in Wellington, he told them some of the productive statistics in regard to the carrying capacity of the district, and hnd he not had the actual figures to substantiate his statements he would have been accounted a mere romancer. The speaker quoted figures showing the great strides the district had made during the last ten years, and, as their rate of , progress in the future would be even greater, they could not help but have a great city in a very short time. “ I say this without hesitation,” said Mr Bright “ that there is no town in New Zealand

that I would exchange for Gisborue. It is progressing at a'rate which no other Lown is doing, and you must remember that we are only on the fringe of this magnificent district. Thore is a vast area undeveloped, such as will make this town a city equal to any in New Zealand. That is my hope of Gisborne.” Mr Bright concluded by wishing long life and prosperity to the Mayor and Mayoress and family. The toast of “ The First Mayor of Gisborne ” (Mr W. F. Crawford) was proposed by Mr Whinray, who prefaced his remarks by stating that he never heard Mr Townley speak but the latter seemed to be imbued with a spirit of renewed energy. Mr Townley never seemed to lose heart as he (Mr Whinray) sometimes did. The spenker went straight to the subject of the Motu timber, stating that the railway would never be of much use until it tapped that place. He looked to the Motu to revolutionize the place. Its rich valleys, timber, and other resources would be the means of bringing great prosperity to Gisborne. One of the most vital points was how they were to construct the line without further loss of .time. They had. undoubtedly a fine future before the district. What he wanted to see was the Ministers taken to the Motu, for- they would then see what great assets the colony had there, and they would bo compelled to pay the district some attention. There was no district in New Zealand to compare to Gisborne, and it was pleasant to see that there was such a concensus of opinion on this point. Mr Whinray made lengthy reference to the good qualities of Gisborne’s first Mayor and Council. Mr Crawford, in replying, said that he was very proud of the position that the fact of being first Mayor placed him in that day. In the old days they were all one big family, aad when a stranger came to the Bay everyone asked who he was and wanted to know all about him. He was sorry that things had changed. At the present time many strangers came to the Bay and were not even uoticod. It was impossible to offer them the same hospitality, that they offered in those dear old days. Twenty-five years ago Gisborne was a happier place than it is now. They were all one united family, aud on holidays it was the custom to have one huge picnic in boats np the river or elsewhere. Some of the photographs taken at that time called this to mind. Many of those taken were not satisfied with their pictures

in the old days, but now they were proud to claim them. (Laughter.) Mr Crawford, continuing, related many anecdotes in connection with the first Council. The

first bye-laws, be said, were compiled from those of all existing Boroughs at that time, and scissors and paste were much resorted to. Mr Bennett, the Town Clerk, and himself cut out all the bye-laws they considered the most suitable, and when they were brought before the Council they were passed nem. con. He was obliged to carry some of them out, and was sorry for it. (Laughter.) On one occasion he remarked that the best thing they could do with them was to carry them out and burn them. Well, you have been working under them (laughter), continued the speaker, without knowing the risk you were running. By allowing them to remain dead letters you get on very well. On one occasion a ratepayer came to the Council and complained that his place was flooded, and was in a horrible state. He told me that it would take a man ten minutes to dig a drain to the channel. I asked him why he had not done it, whereupon he ran from the office, and we had no further trouble with him. That is how we did tilings in the old days. (Laughter.) Another time a local gentleman, who represented the press, pointed out the fact that in the margin of the Municipal Corporations Act there was a statement to the effect that cesspools and things of that nature, if not cleansed by the householder, the Council may clean them, and respectfully pointed out that the Council should take action at once. (Laughter.) Now. look at the progress of the town. It is very striking to a man who has been absent, as I have been, for three and a half years. Growing up in Gisborne, I did not realize what a pretty place it was, with its waterways, and the trees, and the cottages, and the beautiful little gardens. Coming ashore I was wonderfully struck with the freshness of' the climate, and the general surroundings of the place. When I hear people grumbling about poverty and cold, etc., I laugh up my sleeve, and compare it with some of the places I saw at Home. The people of Gisborne are most hospitable, and one is always impressed with the number of friands one has in this place. Walk up and down the street, and every man you meet smiles at you. He knows you, and you feel gratified. Then contrast this with Home life, where a man passes through millions of people, and is not able to recognise a friend. When I was at Home I wa< hankering after someone that I might say, Tena koe to, and J did meet one gentleman with whom I became great friends. There is something about the people from this country, that on 6 meets at Home, which stamps them as belonging to the colonies, and one is able to recognize them even amongst a London crowd. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to be present at this representative meeting, and I can only add that with the disadvantages with regard to funds, you have done wonders in Gisborne.” Mr Crawford concluded by again thanking those present for the toast.

An adjournment was then made to the lawn, where the party was photographed by Mr Crawford.