CONGRATULATORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1923, Page 1

CONGRATULATORY.

councillors in pleased mood

At tlie conclusion of the business at the meeting of the West-land County Council yesterday afternoon, tho County Chairman (Mr W. Jeffries) said he desired to place on record his appreciation of the assistance given him by members during his term of office. As a Council they could look hack on their term of office as highly satisfactory. Personally he did so with pride and .satisfaction. He had been ekcLcd pledged to keep down the extra rate, and the results had shown they had done it; in the face of very great colds they had reduced the coming rate to seven farthings, and if tho Jo miles of main road: maintenance had not been pushed on to them it would have been possible to reduce it to five farthings. He had gone on to the Hospital Board three months ago and had succeeded i'll getting the levy reduced, and he hoped next year it would be again reduced considerably. On the whole they had done well during their term of office. He thanked them all for the support given during his occupancy of the chair. He wished to record his appreciation of the services of Mr Evans as treasurer, lie was at all tunes zealous in guarding the Council’s funds. The same could be said of Overseer Millucr and the Roadmen, all of whom had given faithful service. He thanked all members for the support given and hoped all would be returned again to the Council table. Mr Ritchie said as he would not be associated with the Council again as he was not standing for re-election, desired to thank the Chairman and members for the great consideration shown him. They had always done their Host in the interests of the ratepayers. He would always look back to his 2, L years in the Council with pleasure. Ho wished to thunk Mr Evans and stall' for tho ninny marks i f kindness and. assistance he had received at their hands. Mr Duff, as the oldest member of the Council congratulated Mr Jeffries on bis year's service as chairman. Ho had proved one of the most active Chairmen they bad bad, always prompt and attentive. Ho congratulated him on a successful year. All had done their best in tile best interests of the ratepuvers. lie also wished to move a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Ritchie, who does not intend to seek re-election. He bad proved a. most efficient and attentive member. Tli Chairman seconded the motion which was carried by acclamation. Mr Ritchie thanked members for the appreciation. Mr Ward said he was pleased to know the Chairman had carried out his duties successfully because he had nominated him for tho position and was pleased to know ho had come up to the expectations he had formed, that lie would prove a good energetic chairman, who had taken a keen interest in the affairs of the Council. Mr Ward expressed his regret at Mr Ritchie severing his connection, and Stated after 1(5 years he had personally intended to retire, but had been asked to reconsider his decision. M bother he came back or not lie would always have pleasant memories of his connection with the Council. He would take this opportunity to refer to their Clerk and Treasurer. The Council was very fortunate in having Mr Evans at tile head of their staff. He was a tower of strength to every successive Chairman. He also wished to tlmnk members for the ton’ pleasant manner in which they had assisted him in carrying out his duties as a Councillor. Mr Chino said it was with mixed feelings lie rose to say a few words, lie had been struck by the harmony and spirit of good will among members. He congratulated the Chairman on his successful term of office. lie also appreciated Mr Evans’ services, and the courtesy always extended and he thanked him sincerely for his help and assistance. Tie recognised Mr Evans was a- tower of strength to the welfare of tho district, his advice being invaluable. He was sorry Mr Ritchie was retiring as be had proved himself a true man in more ways than one. He also appreciated the good work of Overseer Millucr M/r Morel said ho had been approached with a view to again offering liis services. He thanked members for tho support given. He recognised 'that Overseer Mill nor was the right man in tlie right place and that in Mr Evans they had one whom many said was able to run the Council. He appreciated the quickness and despatch in the office, the result of having a useful and capable officer at the bend of affairs. He congratulated the Chairman on bis term of office. Mr t'hesterman endorsed the eulogy of the Ghiirman and expressed his regret that it was the last meeting of the Council and that Mr Ritchie was going to retire. He was a good member and a man in every respect. They had also had a good live Chairman in .Mr Jeffries. Mr Wells said lie had opposed Mr Jeffries for the chairmanship, hilt he tad to admit that the best man won. lie realised he had made an excellent Chairman. In Mr Evans they hud ail excellent officer and he was sorry Mr Ritchie was retiring as he was a capable Councillor. He also tributed the services of Overseer Millner. Mr Ritchie thanked the speakers for their kind references.

Air Evans thanked members 1m their expressions, of good will, which ho dceplv appreciated. He assured them t'.-.at his sole aim and object was to do his best for the Council. In the present Council tho ratepayers could not leave been better served. Then rates bad been reduced, and were it not for the fact that the charge cf the main roads had been handed over to the Council it would have been quite safe to have reduced the rate to five farthings. Referring to the good work of the Council he bored the provision of road-making machinery would not be allowed to drop. By t.’.e use of machinery the ratepayers were goinrr to get the •advantage. It w ould have been quite impossible to hare retrieved the position but for the work of the motor lorry which had rapidly overtaken the work. A road roller was necessary, and the Grey County engineer reported the machine the f; vt . v County had obtained was an admirable one and was doing splendid work. Air Evans continued that he desired to thank members very gratefully for tlieir kind expressions. He had now been over 31 years id their employ and had always endeavoured to do his duty, and he was glad to know that his efforts had met wit.. their approbation.