THE MAYORALTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5075, 14 January 1927, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

UNUSUAL MOVE BY CR. HARE-

DISAPPROVAL BY COUNCILLORS.

Probably with the object of ascertaining the intentions of the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) at the municipal elections in April next, Cr. H. J. Hare, sprung rather a bombshell at last night’s meeting of the Paeroa Borough Council.

In the course of a lengthy address Cr. Hajjp pointed out that the council was experiencing a busy time, and there were still works of importance in hand that would require the most expert, brains available to carry through successfully. The burgesses were fortunate, he said, in having for their Mayor a person of Mr Marshall’s brains and ability to guide the destinies of the borough. Unfortunately it had been rumoured that the. M.ayor was not again seeking re-election, but it was in the interests of the borough that Mr Marshall should continue in office, and, further, the majority of ratepayers wished to retain him. It might be selfish to ask the Mayor to go on giving his time and experience in the service of the ratepayers, but he had accomplished splendid work in the past, and his help was urgently required in the present and future. It could be understood that the Mayor desired ,to le.t some other councillor have the honour, but Mr Marshall would be a hard man to replace. Generally, harmony prevailed between the Mayor and councillors, and a progressive spirit obtained. He hoped His Worship could be prevailed upon to accept office for a further term at least. He was pleased and proud to be a fellow-citizen, and associated with the Mayor in working for the borough’s welfare and progress. Cr. Hare then moved -that this council request the Mayor to accept office, for a further term. Cr. J. Pinder seconded pro forma, but added that he thought Cr. Hare should have approached some of the senior councillors before the meeting and allowed the deputy-Mayor to brifig the matter forward. The Mayor thanked Cr. Hare for his eulogistic references, but requested that he withdraw his resolution. Such a resolution was most unfair to t,he councillors. He could only 'reiterate what he had said previously, that it was not his intention at the. present, time to seek re-election to the Mayoralty. Cr. F. E. Flatt s-aid he much regretted that Cr. Hare had been wanting in tact in bringing the matter forward as he had done, and at that stage. It was one of the most unfortunate positions that hat/ been created during ,the ten years he had been a councillor. It was improper and most unfair .to place the Mayor and councillors in such an embarrassing position.

Cr. J. W. Silcock agreed, and said that it would have been moi 1 ® gracious had Cr. Hare taken his colleagues into his confidence and an opportunity been given to discuss the matter;

Cr. E. Edwards expressed his surprise at, Cr. Hare’s unusual attitude. No doubt Mr Marshall would have been urged to accept the Mayoralty for a further term, but the matter would have been brought, forward at the proper time and in an orthodox manner. He was sorry the'resolution had created such an unfortunate position, and he disapproved of it entirely. At the same time he was glad to support the remarks with reference to the very fine record of service given by the Mayor.

Cr, Hare said that he saw no reason why he should be required to wait until later to express his views. He was not desirous: of creating an awkward situation, but he considered it necessary that the council should receive some indication as to what were the intentions of the Mayor. He had spoken as a councillor, and claimed that he had the confidence of the ratepayers. He. expressed his. surprise that the senior, councillors had not backed up his remarks. While Cr. Hare was speaking the Mayor, who appeared embarrassed, was busily turning over, the pages of a copy of the by-laws.

Cr. Hgrc continued, and was in the middle of saying something about the Mayor having the confidence of several of the councillors, when the Mayor rose and moved an objection to the discussion. In doing so he pointed out that a new matter could be introduced only with the consent of the council. He took exception to Cr. Hare’s remarks, and moved accordingly.

Cr. Flatt seconded, but made it clear that he, too, heartily supported the eulogistic references accorded the Mayor. The motion was. then put' and carried without 'further discussion.