THE MAYORALTY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5099, 11 March 1927, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

COUNCIL’S BEQUEST TO MAYOR,

OUTSPOKEN REPLY TENDERED.

At the conclusion of the ordinary business at last night’s meeting of the Paeroa Borough Council the question of the Mayoralty was brought forward by tne deputy-Mayor (Cr. E. Edwards).

After deliberating on the matter subsequent to the finance meeting on Tuesday night, said Cr. Edwards, the councillors were unanimous in recognising and expressing appreciation of the splendid work and untiring efforts of their Mayor and leader (Mr W. Marshall). It was pleasing to state that the majority of the councillors desired His Worship to continue in the office for a further term, and he could be- assured of hearty support from his colleagues. Tne time for. the election was-drawing near, and it was the desire of the members .to know if the Mayor intended to accept nomination for a further term, It was sincerely hoped that he would, but in the event, of him declining it would be necessary to look round for another person to fill the position. MR. MARSHALL’S REPLY. In reply to Cr. Edwards the Mayor thanked him for his intimation, and also the councillors for their offer of support. He appreciated their action, and tjie spirit in which it was tendered, and said that he thought he understood the spirit it was intended to convey. The Mayor said that lie wished to be quite candid in the matter, and would like it to be clearlj- understood that he was desirous of acting solely in the best interests of the progress and development o£ Paeroa, and it was not, to be inferred that the was looking for a further term. The office of Mayor was» a high honour fraught with dignity and heavy responsibilities, It was his honest desire to relinquish the position. However, pressure had been brought to bear, and it had been pointed out that the responsibilites of the council now in hand made it clear that it was his duty to, carry on in office for a while longer. That aspect had given rise to serious thought, although at the same time he would be most happy to lay down the reins. In the event of acceding to the request, he would do so purely from a sense of duty to the ratepayers and the town. If his outspoken remarks offended the taste of anyone, then it was for them to see that another person was. returned to the office. It had been stated in the “Gazette” that a petition from the burgesses requesting him to carry on was in circulation. This showed that the public was taking an interest in the affairs of the town, and it would be an act of discourtesy to the public if a definite answer was given that night. The Mayor said that he was not seeking 'self-aggrandisement, but viewed the request in the light of what would be in the best interests of

the borough. There was no room fotr official or organised opposition in the council, but he bore no feeling or grudge against the member who chase to oppose him. There had been opposition at times, but possibly it might have been partly his fault. Co-opera-tion was necessary and it was desirable that the members should put their shoulders to the wheel and push far the welfare of those whom they represehtett,The Mayor made it clear that he had no desire to dominate or monopolise the position. (On receipt of the petition, and after consultation with his family, his decision would be available immediately. The petition referred to is to be presented to the Mayor at his office tomorrow morning at 11.30 o’clock.