SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4832, 20 May 1925, Page 1

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

BOROUGH COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. FORCEFUL ADDRESS BY MAYOR. The first .business on the order paper at Monday night’s meeting of the newly-elected Paeroa Borough Council was the making of the usual statutory declaration by His Worship the Mayor (Mr W- Marshall). In the presence of a number of interested spectators the declaration was formally administered by the town clerk (Mr W. C. Alexander) and signed by the Mayor. Then followed the customary iswearing-in ceremony of the eight councillors, which was carried out by the Mayor. After each councillor had signed his declaration His Worship addressed the councillors and said that that evening there commenced a new chapter in the history of the Borough of Paeroa. The council had met as duly elected representatives of the burgesses, and the members were charged with the responsibilities of civic problems and cares which called for strength of purpose, sound judgment, and integrity if the interests of the burgesses were to be advanced and protected. The Mayor said that he wished to take the opportunity of stating how pleased he was to see so many of his old colleagues returned to the council. That fact was a clear indication that in the opinion of the burgesses they had proved their worth in the past, and the ratepayers had endorsed the works that had been undertaken.

The Mayor extended a hearty welcome to the four new members, and isaid he agreed that new blood should prove an acquisition. He would gladly welcome new ideas and practical suggestions,, and the members referred to could rely on the assistance and co-operation of the older councillors. Although much had been accomplished, obviously there still remained much to be done, and he trusted that they would all pull together and work harmoniously for the common Weal. “If any councillor kicks,” he said, “I believe he will kick alone ; and after all, in my judgment, a kicker never gets anywhere.” He pointed out that it was quite impossible to do all that ratepayers would like, and it was necessary to proceed with caution, and to remember that only progress as could reasonably be paid for could be made. He lirmly believed that the town had turned the corner, and w'as well, on its way towards development and advancement.

The Mayor stressed the serious handicap that the boiough was under in rating on the unimproved value, especially when the large number of sections that were impossible as building site»s were considered, and also the fact that, nearly ten per cent of the borough holdings were Government property, and as such were not liable to general rating. He thought that the council should, only embark on such matters as Were in the direct interests of the ratepayers.

Continuing, the Mayor said that during the term of the old council there had been no carping, and although naturally there had been differences of opinion, the minority had always given way graciously to the opinions of the majority, which, he believed, had always been in the interests of the ratepayers generally. His idea was to get to the desired goal, and success could only be obtained by the work and co-operation of the members of the various committees. He would suggest to the members not. to look for personal aggrandisement, but to put their shoulders to the wheel and work for the borough’s .'advancement and make their term a record in the progress of the town. He concluded by expressing the hope that the members would experience a happy term of office, and that the same loyalty and co-opera-tion that had prevailed in forme* - councife would again prevail in all the undertakings. (Applause.) Cr. Brenan ably supported the Mayor’s remarks, and asked that the appreciation of the council be recorded of the good work done by the defeated councillors, Messrs P. T. Vuglar and H. M. Shand. Their assistance and presence at the.council table would be missed.

Cr. E. Edwards supported, and in welcoming the new members said that lie hoped they would be men of few words but willing to work and be satisfied with attaining only good results.

Cr. F. E, Flatt hoped to see the town continue to develop on progressive lines, and said that',he felt sure it would under.'the able guidance of His Worship and fellow-councillors. He expected that the new members would respect the opinions of the older councillors and co-operate in the work of advancement of the borough. . Cr. J. W. Silcock endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and said he trusted that all election party feeling would be dropped and every assistance accorded the Mayor in. oi> der that the good work sq ably begun could be pushed to a successful conclusion and further progressive matters put in hand as finances and opportunities permitted. He extended his sympathy to the defeated councillors, and concluded by saying that perhaps they were lucky to be rid of the responsibilities entailed by municipal affairs. THE NEW COUNCILLORS. Cr. G. P. de Castro was the first of tire new members to speak. He thanked Ihe Mayor for the welcome extend-

cd and congratulated him on his unanimous return to the Mayoral chair, which position he had, in tlie speaker’s opinion, filled with dignity and distinct credit, and he wished him a happy term of office. The speaker said that lie had lived for a long number of years in the borough, and felt confident of its future success and development, and his reason for seeking municipal honours had been to loyally assist in its progress. Cr. H. J.’ Hare followed, and expressed the opinion that the burgesses had shown sound sense and appreciation in placing His Worship in the chair for at least another term, and he trusted that it would be a happy one. He realised and appreciated the honourable position in which the burgesses had placed him (the speaker), and he would do his l€\vel best for the welfare of the town in a cordial and co-operative manner.

Cr. E. A. Porritt acknowledged the thanks of the Mayor, and said that although he pleaded ignorance of municipal affairs he trusted the members would bear with him and he would pledge himself to become familiar with the work and always regard the interests of the ratepayers, together witli the betterment and development of the town bn sound progressive lines, as of paramount importance. Cr. J. Pinder briefly returned thanks and said that he was not a speechmaker, his motto being “little talk, big work,’’ and he intended to live up to it and do his best for all. The Mayor said that he had pleasure in seconding the resolution bf Cr. Brenan’s that the services to the borough so ably performed by ex-Crs, Vugliir and Shand be appreciatively recorded.

The resolution was carried by acclamation,