THE MAYORALTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2148, 25 March 1908, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

REQUISITION TO DR. WILLIAMS

Yesterday afternoon a large number of leading ratepayers ol Gisborne, among whom jvere Messrs L. A. do Luutour, AV. Lissant Clayton, W. Miller and S. Hastie, met Dr J. W. Williams at Mr E. H. Mann’s ollico to nresent a requisition signed by 130 ratepayers, asking him to consent to be nominated for the position of Mayor of Gisborne tor the ensuing year. Mr C. A. de Luutour was voted to the chair, and in presenting the requisition said, he was fortunate in being able to hand to Dr. "Williams a requisition expressing such a general opinion tint he should consent to be nominated. They all believed that the town of Gisborne bad a bright future beforo it; but needed wise •ynlpiagen lnit from men of public spirit and progressive policy, and they felt sure that if the doctor was elected this result would be obtained. Tho position of Mayor called for a man with a wise head, and from what they had seen of Dr. William’s work on the Council, they knew he would be doing a great service to tho town if ho would accept, while they would in their turn, do all that could ho done to return him to tho position of Chief Magistrate of Gisborne. Dr Williams in reply said it was scarcely necessary to say how flattered he was at the compliment that had been paid to him by the large number of ladies and gentlemen wlio signed the requisition, and ho wished to thank them for their confidence. 'The position was unsought, and undreamed of, and it was only a few days ago that he became aware that tho requisition was being signed. It was a compliment to any man to liavo a requisition asking him to stand for Hie office of Mayor from so many leading citizens and ho hardly knew what to say in reply. He had to consult the convenience of others in the matter, and felt justified in asking for time, to consider his decision. If liis, answer was affirmative he would take an opportunity to place liis views on various municipal questions before the ratepayers. He felt that he was hardly competent to step into the shoes of such a worthy Mayor as Air. John Townley, who had been connected with tiie Borough Council for so many years, and ho would like to have until midday on Wednesday to consider his answer. Air de Lautour assured the doctor that if he would consent to stand, liis election to tho office was assured.

Amongst the names on the requisition were those of Messrs J. Townlev (Alayor of Gisborne). 0. A. de Lautour) J. AY. Bright, F. (Stafford, AV. Lissant Clayton, AY. Miller, AV. Pet tie and S. Hastie.