INSTALLATION CEREMONY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2069, 2 May 1907, Page 4

INSTALLATION CEREMONY.

THE NEW COUNCIL,

Tho insinuation of Mayor end Councillors of Gisborne took place nt tho Municipal Chambers at noon yesterday. There wore present: The Mayor (Mr. Townloy), and Crs. Harding, Miller, Bright, Whinray, Mann, Sawyer, and Hr. Williams. Each of tho Councillors read over and signed his declaration. Mr. Townloy then left the chair, uid Cr. Whinray was appointed Aot-ing-Afnyor. ■ The following lettor was read from Cr. Sheridan“ Would you kindly apologise for my unavoidable alisonc from tho installation ceremony to day, and assure His Worship that nothing but a most important prioongagomont could have prevented me from being amongst yon to heartily woloomo Mr. Townloy back to that honorablo position, which ho has occupied for tho past seventeen yeai-s with such credit and dignity. As one who has had tho honor to servo under His Worship, I would have you express my ardont admiration of his unswerving dovotednoss to tho Borough and my keen appreciation of his honest and highly able administration. It must indeed bo a great source of gratification to His Worship that during tho whole of his phenomenal term of office, even slander itself has not dared to impute directly or indirectly, by inuondo, insinuation, or otherwise, one solitary dishonest motive. Also I would have you to convey to Tib Worship tho assurance that I shall use my utmost endeavors to further tho progressive projects he has mapped out for the forthcoming year. Now that His Worship has decided to join tho “Retired Veteran Reserves,” I am confident that every Councillor with whom he has been associated cherishes the deep-rooted hope that in tho blessed companionship of his angelic, admirable, much reverenced and well-beloved helpmate, Mrs Townloy), he will he long spared to crown ‘a youth of labor with an ago of ease,’ and though not on the list of active service, his wise council will continue in tho future —as in the past—to prove an important factor in shaping the destinies of our rapidly-develop-ing district.” Tho Acting-Mayor (Cr. Whinray) said he would first like to thank tlnCouncil for giving him the honor of installing Mr Townloy to the Mayoral chair on his eighteenth term of office, a position in which lie had given uniform satisfaction. Tlioy had determined to alter tho ceremony slightly on this occasion, so as to allow other Councillors besides himself an opportunity of welcoming Mr. Townloy to the chair. Mr. Townley bad given bis whole services to the town. He was an indefatigable worker. In fact bo often surprised him (tho Chairman) with his zeal in regard to municipal affairs. They had not had tho mentis at hand to do always what they should like, hut they had done a great deal, and ho felt sure tho now Council would give deliberate thought to what works lay before them. Cr. Harding said it was with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret that he addressed them that day. He was pleased to once more assist at the installation of Mr. Townley to a position which for tho past seventeen years ho had filled so ably. His regret was that Mr. Townloy had decided not to accept office again. Never before in the history of the colony had any one continuously filled the Mayoral chair for so long a term as Mr. Townloy had. That he had filled it ably and well, with high credit to himself and with advantage to the town, he had hardly need to tell them. That fact was patent and was known to them all. (Applause.) Continuing Mr. Harding said: “When some 30 years ago Mr. Townley was first elected to this Council, Gisborne was but a small place indeed, a mere village of some few hundred people, and with but rude surroundings. To-day it numbers a population of some GOOD, and is one of the foremost and most prosperous'towns in the colony. During these 30 years of growth, Mr. Townley has been closely identified with the interests of the town. On him for more than half that period lias chiefly rested the responsibility of administering our municipal affairs, and he has administered them wisely and well. During his long term of office lie has necessarily had opponents who have criticised him and his administration freely, as it was right they should, hut as to enemies, it may..safely he said he has none. His devotion to the interests of the town, his integrity, his sound judgment, and Ill's unfailing courtesy command the respect and esteem of all. Energy and success have followed him in all his undertakings. He has been lihoral in entertaining visitors, and more than considerate to Councillors when presiding at their deliberations. His long and worthy career is one of which we ,his townsmen, his children, and his children’s children, may well 'ho proud, and in the hearts of the people of this district, it will for lfiany a long year to come, ever keep his memory green. (Applause.) Cr. Bright congratulated his Worship upon his re-election as chief magistrate of tho Borough of Gisborne and complimented the burgesses upon their selection. Mr. Townley had decided not to contest the Mayoral seat again, a decision which was deeply regretted. Mr. Townley deserved a well-earned rest after his long term of service to the people. He had watched the town grow up around him both commercially and architecturally. They had many monuments of the progress of the town during Air. Townlcy’s term of office, hub ho had built up other monuments by his integrity, his boundless hospitality, and his assistance to the indigent. Cr. Bright paid a warm tribute to Airs. Townley. They had n good Council, and ho trusted that they would make this year, tho last of Mr. Townley’s reign, a most successful one.. (Applause).

Or. Miller endorsee! the remarks of the previous speakers. The burgesses were certainly to be congratulated upon electing Mr. Townley' Mayor for another term. There were many important works for the Mayor to consumato that year. There was the question of metal. They must have it, and plenty of it. He thought Wa ihire re would be the secret in regard to metal. The question would have to be decided before Mr. Townley went out of office. They must give up patching and do more permanent work. As one who had grown up in the. town lie had to thank Mr. Townley for many kindnesses to him both in and out of the Council. II was an honor to have served with Mr. Townley on the Council. He thought the present Council was the best the town had had.

Cr. Mann said that his pleasure at being elected to the Council would have been damped had ho not to serve under their veteran Mayor. Anything that was brought forward for tlie good of the place would have his hearty support.

Cr. Williams said that as a now member of tlie Council he felt very fortunate in starting on the Council under their worthy .Mayor, one who was respected by all. Cr. Sawyer said lie felt honored in being returned as a Councillor. He felt certain that the new Council would join in furthering tlie interests of the Borough.

Tlie Acting-Mayor. Mr. Wliinray, said the loss of Mr. Townley from the Council chamber would be a serious one. but he would still be sought after, on account of his great experience, and his advice would bo relied on. A. great deal more would devolve on their present excellent town clerk. Cr. Wliinray then asked his Worship to make the declaration.

Mr. Townley said ho was sure he was not worthy of all the flattering things that hail been said about him.

Cr. Whinray: Wo think otherwise, your Worship. Continuing tho Mayor said lie could hardly thank Councillors sufficiently for what they lmd said about him. He was pleased with the Council elected and congratulated the burgesses oil their choice., it was a working Council and should make a record for work in the advancement of Gisborne. They had to face the question of new council rooms, drainage and metal for their roads. Ho would ho ever ready to listen to nny suggestions from Councillors for the progress of tho place. They were happy in having a competent staff. The permanent levels and tho drainage scheme wore tho two most important works before thorn. The water works would soon he completed. Those who had seen the source praised it highly, and said it was sufficient for 25,000 people. So they had no need to fear a shortage. His Worship roforred to the loss the Council had sustained in-the .absence of Crs. Lysnar, Webb and Rees, all old residents. He extended a hearty welcome to the three new members of the Council, Crs. Mann, Williams and Sawyer. He felt sure tho new Council would unite with him in furthering tho work of tho Borough. Tho meeting then adjourned.