COUNTY CHAIRMAN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4980, 28 May 1926, Page 3

COUNTY CHAIRMAN.

HAURAKI PLAINS COUNCIL. „ COUNCILLORS’ FELICITATION'S.. The Hauraki Plains County Council, on Wednesday elected as its chairman Cr. E. L. Walton, who has b en its clerk from the inauguration of the county six years ago until March last, when he resignet) and was elected representatives of .the Ngatea, riding. The members present a,t the meeting were : Crs. J. C. Miller, C. W. Harris, W. Madgwick, C. Parfitt, H. H. Hicks, and E. L. Walton. ' In accordance with the provisions of the Act the clerk took tho chair q,nd called ffor nominations for the office. Cr. J. C. Miller, late chairman, said that he had much pleasure in nominating Cr. Walton. Although he had just been appointed a. councillor his long connection, with the council gave him more experience than councillors. His handy location would be of great benefit to the council and staff. - , Cr. Harris said that he had great pleasure in seconding the nomination. He heaitily agreed with Cr. Miller’s remarks. Not only was Cr. Walton handy, 1 but he wag a gentleman who had the ability and experience to carry out the duties to his own satisfaction and to the satisfaction of ratepayers generally. In supporting the nomination Ct. Parfitt said he knew that Cr. Walton had the welfare of the county at heart and would fill the position l admirably. There being no further nominations Cr. Walton was declared elected. On taking the chair Cr. Walton thanked the. council for the honour cori’erred on him, and assured the members of his constant endeavour to retain their confidence, which he valued most highly. • The. chairman then referred to the high standard of fairness set during the six years. Cr. Miller had occupied chair, and had set an example which would be hard to equal and impossible to improve upon. While he could not hope tel bring to the council ta,ble Cr. Miller’s ripe' experience, whatever knowledge he did possess of the administration would be given freely for the general good of the- county. . •- THE PAST CHAIRMAN.

Cr. Madgwick said that he would, not like, the opportunity to pass without ■ voicing his appreciation, ot the great ' kindness shown him by the late chairman, Cr. J. C. Miller, during his term as, councillor. Cr. Harris also voiced his appreciation, and said that it had been a, pleasure to sit under Cr. Miller during the. Jast six years. The council had undertaken some big operations, and it had been fortunate in being able to carry them out. - There had been differences of opinion, but- that had not been the fault of the chairman. Cr/Miller had had a strenuous time, and had successfully brought ■ .the -council through. Though the council’ had lost Cr. .Miller •as chairman, he. ifelt sure, hia wprks would be remembered for a long time.

. Cr. .Parfitt supposed, and said that the fight had been Jam uphill one. The council hight. have: ' gone in for too much, but it musts be recalled- that the. council had n.o . alternative. He was very .glad Cr. Walton had- been appointed, and was- pleased that 'he had. been nominated by Cr, Miller. Responding, Cr. Miller said that al) had faced the difficulties in a clean ■spiiit. No one did things without making mistakes, but he. did not think the council .had ma,de many. His work as chaiirman was not a patch on that of the council’s officials. He wished, to thank thereoun'cillors for their kind

A motion was carried placing on reco’-d the splendid services, rendered by Cr. J. C. Miller during-his six years of service as chairman.