INSTALLATION OF MAYOR.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1510, 18 December 1878, Page 2

INSTALLATION OF MAYOR.

The installation of the new Mayor of Christehuech, Mr C. T. Ick, took place at the annual meeting of the Council, ajfc npou to-day, at the Council Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor (Cr. Thomson), the Meyer elect (Cr. Ick), and C'rs. Gapes, Cass, Ayers, Tremajue, Wilson, Clifford, Binstead, aud Jenkins. The minutes of the last meeting- were read and confirmed. . The Mayor said the next business would be the insta"ation of the new Mayor. It would first ~g c— <* :n— T„L- fn o,"a« *^» declaration. .Ci. <Ud g". and Mr Thomson vacated the chair, which wap taken by the new Mayor. _ Mr Thomson placed the chain, now consisting of nine links. round his successor's neck, and said he considered it Wag now assuming proportions when it might well be worn by the Mayors of Christchurch, beginning with his friend Cr. Ick. Cr. Gapes proposed a vote of thanks to Cr. Thomson for the way he had conducted the business during the year. Cr. Wilson thought it would come with a good grace from him to second the motion, as he and the Mayor had at various times had a few words, but they were none tho leas friends outside the Council.

C,\ Cass supported the motion, which was also spoken ty by other Councillors. The motion then put and carried. The Mayor con eyed the thanks to Mr Thornton, and said he .quite concuHrcd with what had been said by the other Bncak.ers.' Mr Thomson briefly responded. This closed the formal business of the meeting. In addition to the members of the Council there were now present Messrs Mitchell, Buddonklau. Craig, W. Pratt, A. Duncan, T. B. Craig, Bird, 0. E. Briggs, H. E. Alport, P. Hcbb;: J. P. Jamieson, Toomer, G. L. Lee, E. .h. Bisnon The first toa.t was ihaf, of Her Majesty the Oueen. and in proposing >t 'chi chairman said he was quite sure they all deeply sympathised with the Queen in her beroayeui,eut a,t the lojjS of her second daughter. The next toast was that of the Prince of: Wa'es and the Royal Family, the chairman observing that if the Prince ever came out he was quite euro he would meet with a right

' ■"'.rty reception. |]t T rl -xt toast, that of "Tho Governor of v /,""i n/i"" was responded to with en; jv-w /,i.:i..!.'ii< . it tl chairman said tbusiasm. . In p opo^|« f mQgt the Marquis of No.« %« to this popular howontakepphis uci-hborinir colony of Victoria. T! e eK.Mavor proposed the nut toast, which Wi ,« 'that of "" The new Mayor. Cr. Ick had had a mnub-r of years' experience, and no doubt thai would be of very great service to him in oonductiug the Council as Mayer, and he felt Sre r ro m thewayhe had been put into the office it wauld bo bad taste tor him to sny that

he was not the right man in the right place. He said this, although he had been an opponent of Mr Ick's at that election; but no sooner was tho election over, than all the good feeling between him and the Mayor returned, if indeed it had ever been alienated. He hoped the new Mayor would have a ted of roses, though it could hardly bo expected, for the position was not one that was at all times pleasant. He hoped the councillors would exercise that forbearance, which was very necessary for the conduct of public business. The toast was drunk with three times three, and one more for Mrs Ick.

The Mayor responded. He thanked them vciy heartily for the kind manner in which they had responded to his invitation of that day, because it showed a kindly feeling towards him. He was, naturally, n nervous man. [Laughter.] "Why, even the first Mayor of Christchurch had assumed a degree of nervousness when he took the chair that was quite foreign to his nature. Even Mr Hobbs had exhibited a nervousness which was not so much to be wondered at; and more than that, Mr Thomson, who might be said to be to the manner born, had also shown nervousness on that occasion. It was not therefore to be wondered at if he (the speaker) was nervous. During the coming yoxr he believed he would have the Council at his back, and that when he asked for their assistance he would have it. It had been said that the new Counci 1 were young public men. He had no hesitation in saying at least that they were good workers, and not a single jibber among them. If it was said that they had not many mathematicians among them ho could at least say they were strong in divinity. | Laughter.] During the coming year many important subjects would be brought before them, and he should do his best to have them carried out. He referred to a water scheme, and the erection of municipal buildings. It would bo his endeavour to conduct the business in the future with the best of good feeling, and he would ask the Council to assist him in doing his best for tho well-being of Christchurch. He thanked them very heartily for the manner in which they had drunk his health. The Mayor proposed the next toast, viz., that of "TbcEetiring Mayor," which was received with loud tokens of applause. In proposing the toast the Mayor said he knew no gentleman -who had filled that chair so punctually as Mr Thomson. He could appreciate tho straightforward and manly way in which that gentleman, as Mayor, had carried out his duties. He was eminently fitted for a public capacity, in which he was undoubtedly calculated to shine. The toast was drunk with all the honors, the company singing " a jolly good fellow," and giving three times three. In responding, Mr Thomson thanked the Mayor for tho cordial manner in which tho toast had been proposed and responded to. No doubt in filling the chair for the first time he had made a good many mistakes, which he should avoid if he ever had to fill the chair again. Of course it was not agreeable to admit one was wrong, but still he spoke as he thought. He had endeavored to do what he could to properly carry out the business of the office. He might sometimes have made mistakes, but they would not be wilful, but errors of judgment. It was true ho had given a good deal of time to the affairs of the Council, and it was perhaps for him a good thing that he had the time to give. No one could

benefit his fellows without benefiting himself. A great many duties had devolved upon him, which would not devolve upon his successors, but, as he had himself proposed the work, and did it of his own accord, it would not probably devolve upon his successor. After taking a ape I ', probably he should not bo disinclined to listen to the wishes of the city if they again wished him to take part in civic matters. He again thanked_ them for the way in which they had drunk his health. [ Applause.l Mr E. B. Bishop proposed the next toast, being that of the " City Council," and in doing so expressed his pleasure at seeing Cr. Ick in the chair. In speaking of the Council. Mr Bishop paid an especial tribute of praise to Crs. Wilson and Gapes. He coupled the toast with the name of Cr. Gapes. Cr. Gapes responded, and said the new Conncillors promised to make a good Council. In fact, he was surprised to find how readily they fell into the work, and their able discourse and

good judgment. If such was continued he had no doubt that during the year they would be able to carry out the wishes of the citizens. He felt sure that the Mayor would work -svitk them and that they would work with the Mayor. Cr. Wilson also responded, and said that in a short time a water supply scheme would probably be inaugurated that would give general satisfaction. He thought he might say that the committee saw their way clear to provide Christchurch with an abundant supply of pure water during the coming years. [Applause] Cr. Wilson also referred to new municipal buildings. Cr. Jenkins also responded. In also responding Cr. Cass said it must be very gratifying to see so popular a gentleman in the chair as Mr Ick. Cr. Ayers, in returning thanks, referred especially to the fearlessness of the present Council in expressing their individual opinions on all occasions and on all subjects. In this respect he especially admired the lato and the newly installed Mayor. Cr. Clifford, in responding, said that his ideas generally got ahead of his powers of speech, but still ho might inform them that during his term of office he should support the schemes for water supply and new corporation buildings. He ventured to say that in one respect the present Council could do as much as any previous Council, that was to say in the matter of talk. [Applause.J Cr. Tremayne also responded, Mr W. Pratt proposed the next toast, viz., "The Ex-Mayors." In doing so he said the city of Christchurch had been particularly fortunate in the cases of the gentlemen who had occupied the chair at the head of that room. Christchurch had given the tone to the various City Councils throughout Now Zealand, which was principally through the selections which the citizens had made in their elections of Mayors. The toast was drunk with much .enthusiasm, the " Jolly good Fellows" being again sung by all present. As the first Mayor of Christchurch, Cr. Wilson responded, and said he had always been treated with kindness and courtesy. In the conrsc of his remarks he referred to the troubles which Christchurch had to undergo at that time in the shape of roads, footpaths, and bridges. He likewise spoke about the improvements generally which had taken place since that time.

Mr A. Duncan also responded, and in tho course of his remarks said he considered the old plan of electing the Mayor and tho Council was much better than that which now He had been asked to apologise for the absence of Mr Johu Anderson. "He was sure that the present and succeeding Councils would alw: f dp the best they could in the interests of the citizens generally. Mr J. P. Jameson said that no doubt past Mavors and Councillors might have thought they wore the most inea »iiu cuuia oe got, but recent events showed that those who followed them were quite able to carry on the work of the city to the satisfaction of the citizens. Mr Henry Saw to" also responded, and in doing so said ho was quite sure that the Mayoralty ol Mr Thomson had been most satisfactoiy to the public: He hopeii ho would bo again able to come for.ifard and serve the citizens in th<k capacity of a Councillor. He »iuite agreed with, what had ' cen said, that the Mayor ought to be a member of the Council whether elected by that body or the citizens generally. Mr E. B. Bishop also responded. Mr F. Hobbs also responded, and expressed his pleasure at Mr Ick filling the position of Mayor. At the same time he paid a tribute of respect to ex-Councillors Hart and Jones, both of whom had had tho interest of the Council at heart. Speaking generally of municipal matters he hoped yet to see Christchurch tho greatest city in the Southern Hemisphere. With regard to the drainage he hoped during tho course of his existence to sec that scheme carried out to a successful issue. He also spoke very highly inregpeet to Mr Moorhouse, to whom was due the credit of the tunnel front Lyttclton to Christchurch. Within the next ten years they would sec a wonderful change and improvement in Christchurch, and ; f they took in tho whole of the suburbs then it would be the better for all parties. He felt sure the present Council would do their best, and was veiy glad to see the w >y in which they wen- settling down to their work. With regard to the electiou of Mayor, he agreed with other speakers that it should be in the hands of Ihe Council. He iffusted tha.t „omc day he should be enabled to again nssut in the work of coiii ducting the affairs of the city. In the meantime, as a citizen, he would do his very utmost to make successful all works connected with the City Council. Cr, (wipes also responded, and said that those ex-Mayors who had spoken before him had said all that he had previously felt that it was necessary for him to say.

in speaking of City Council offices, Cr. Grpe-I thought it would bo only right to borrow mouey 10 carry su.h works out. [ Applause. | Mr H.Thomson also responded, and paid ha hid never wavered in the opinions that ho had held that the Mayor shtuld be elected by themselves, and should bo < onliued t» a member of. the Council. He had hoped that during his Mayoralty they would kayo hud new mutticipttj

offices if not a town hall. At the same time, lie was of opinion that both municipal offices and town hall should bo in one building 1 , or at least contiguous. The city had a right to the ground on which the Government offices now stood, and he trusted they would be able to get it. He again thanked them for coupling this toast with the ex-Mayors. Mr G. L. Leo proposed the next toast, which was that of '"ihe Ex-Councillors." In the courso of his speech Mr Lee gave a hiimorous account of the rise and progress of the city, and how, when he had first arrived lie had inquired at the spot where the "White Hart now stood " which was the way to Christchurch." Mr Alport was the first to respond, and spoke strongly in favor of their getting a high pressure water system. With regard to the Hospital and Charitable Aid he thought those institutions should be supported by a tax, and not by the plunder of public bodies. He thought that with the money recouped by the Government they might be able to build a towii hall. Mr Euddenklau thought that, after Ins many years' service, Cr. Ick was well fitted to be their Mayor, and it gave him and others great pleasure to be present on the occasion of his installation, f Applause.] ~ Mr W. Pratt also returned thanks, and said that his municipal experience had been a veiy pleasant one. He might probably, at some future time, if the citizens wished his service, again offer himself as a civic representative oi the ratepayers. Mr Hobbs said it was entirely due to ex-toun-c'llor Pratt's modesty that he had not now occupied the post of Mayor himself. Mr Bird, in responding, felt quite sure that the choice mado in the election of Mr Ick as Mayor was a most excellent one. Mr C. E. Brigga thought that a man who could not take a beating gracefully had no right to win. He congratulated the Council upon th improved state of the finances. The present state of finances showed that there was more than .£3OOO in exces3 of what the Council had in hand when he wa3 a member. Had they then had such an amount in hand, many works might have been done which were now conspicuous by their absence. He could or-ly say that during the time he had occupied a seat in the Corned he had spent much pleasant time, and if elected upon any future occasion if the citizens thought he was worthy of it, he should in the future, as in the past, do tho very best he cou'd for the welfare of the citizens. [Applause.] Cr. Toomer also briefly responded, and said that during his term cf office he had done tho best he could for the benefit of the city and the citizens generally. Ho was in favour of the ward system, and under that system he again hoped to sit in the Council. He hoped that at sorno future time he would bo able to meet them again in a much better building than that in which they were now assembled. Mr Mitchell moved the next toast, which was that of tho "City Council Officers," coupled with the names of the town clerk and city surveyor. He was glad to sec that tho duties of the officers of the City Council were going to be defined, for at the present time they were in a stato of considerable confunon. Mr Haskins, in responding, said that the officers of the Council always tiicd to satisfy the interests of the City Council, and the ratepayers generally, although he admitted tint on many occasions they had not given satisfaction to everybody. He had never demurred to carry out any orders of the Mayor or the Council, whether he had agreed with them or not. Mr "Walkden, the city surveyor, also returned thanks.

At this stago of tho proceedings tho Mayor said ho had received apologie3 from Dr. Foster and Mr J. Ollivicr, who were unable to attend. Cr. Gapes proposed the health of the"" Fire Brigade," and in doing so said it could not be denied that they had not a proper water supply, and in his opinion not an hour ought to be lost. While they were waiting a most disastrous fire might occur, aud in his opinion they had not much t) be proud of. As a member of the water committee he must tell them that he was always harping upon the string of a watersupply that would throw a jet of 200 ft. For his own part he thought that for the present they should ho content with a supply for lire extinction and sanitaiy purposes, although even this could not be done without borrowing money. If the water supply committee brought up a report to this effect he hoped the Council would see their way to cariry it out. With the toast he coupled the Fire Police and tho name of Captain Mitchell. Captain Mitchell responded, and apologised for tho absence of Superintendent Hairis, who was otherwise engaged. The men of tho Fire Brigade were not men of ornament only ; tkoy ■were a most excellent working brigade. [Applause.] With regard to the distance necessary to bring water, he would romind them that in the early days Otago had brought in water from a'distance of twenty-two miles. So far as Christchurch was concerned, there was no necessity for this, as water might be brought in from a very short distance. With regard to the fire police, he thanked them kindly for the toast, and hoped the two bodies would work a 3 well together in the fature as in tho past. Mr F. Hobbs proposed " The Fire Insurance Agents," coupled with the name of Mr Bird. Mr Hobbs spoke at length on cei tain improvements as affected drainage that the City Council had made from the time that it; was first called into existence. Mr Bird responded, and said tint hi.) company, like all the others, paid their liab :l, .tic3 as soon as they were incurred. Mr J. Jameson proposed " The Press," and in doing so said they were more indebted to the gentlemen who reported their proceedings than was generally supposed. They must all feel very much indebted to those who had reported the speeches of councillors, and he therefore felt great pleasure in proposing the Press, coupled with the names of Messrs Izittand Briggs. Messrs Izitt and C. E. Briggs responded. Mr A. Duncan proposod " The Ladies," conplod with the name of Mr E. B. Bishop. The toast was di ank| with enthusiasm, and •' Here's a health to all good lasses." Mr H. Saw tell proposed "The Representatives of the Press," coupled with tho names of Messrs TJtting, of the Press, and Pmnkett, of the "Times." The gentlemen referred to responded. After the toast of "The Ladies," the proceedings terminated.