HAPPY COUNCILLORS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5118, 27 April 1927, Page 3

HAPPY COUNCILLORS.

eulogistic references made,

THURSDAY NIGHT’S MEETING,

At the conclusion of the rout’ne business at the Paeroa Borough Council meeting on Thursday night last His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) remarked that as it was the. last meeting of the outgoing council it was necessary for him to make some comments.

In presenting a lengthy resume of the council’s activities during the lart two years the Mayor said that it did not include, in detail everything that had been done, but it was sufficient to give an indication that the term had been a very busy one, and the council, he. thought, could claim to have made progress in the. borough.

Continuing, the Mayor said he muca regretted that Cr. G. P. de Castro was not seeking re-election. The, town owed a debt to Cr. de Castro for the work he had done as a councillor, as he had come forward and given of his best in the service of the ratepayers. In spite of differences at times it had been a pleasure to be associated with him, and it was hoped that later on he. would again occupy a scat at the council table.

The Mayor then moved that ?-he council record its thanks and appreciation to Cr. de Castro for the good service lie had given as a councillor. The Mayor also asked the members to accept his personal thanks and appreciation for the support and cooperation that had been extended to him.

In seconding the resolution Cr. Edwards also said he, regretted that Cr. de Castro was retiring, and expressed his pleasure at having been associated with Cr. de Castro, who had done good work during his term. Turning to the Mayor, Cr. Edwards? congratulated Mr Marshall on his reelection, and said that although there had/been differences of 'opinion at times the members yer.e very gratified to see him returned unopposed. It was sincerely hoped tliat the incoming council would support the Mayor and accord him hearty cooperation in carrying out his published programme of works. Cr. Edwards also congratulated the Mayor on his resume of the past term, and said that the position had been fairly stated. The Mayor’s repo# gave ample' proof that he had his fingers on the pulse of the town’s progress and activities. The speaker said he. sincerely hoped that the Mayor’s new term would be a happy, prosperous, and successful one.

Cr. F. E. Flatt also added liis congratulations to the Mayor and Expressed the opinion that he had done some very valuable work. Differences had arisen round the table at times, but it was gratifying to know that on leaving the council chambers they left as good friends and did not bear any malice. After ten years as a councillor he had no regrets, and was able to look back with pleasure on his association with the members. He, too, was sorry to lose Cr. de Castro, who had made progress and had done good work in the interests of the borough. The past two years had seen a. lot of valuable wor.k done and satisfactory progress made. The, Mayor had a lot of worry and hard work to do, and it was hoped that during the coining term he would receive the co-opera-tion of the council. If support and cooperation was manifest it would be to the advancement of the interest of the council ratepayers, and all concerned.

In conclusion Cr. Flatt thanked His Worship 'for the courtesy and help given at all times, and extended to the members liis best wishes for a safe return.

Other speakers were Crs. P. E. Brenan, J. W. Silcock, E. A. Porritt, H. J. Hare, and J. Pinder. Each member in turn extended congratulations to the, Mayor on his re-election, and expressed regret that Cr. de Castro was retiring. Eulogistic references were accorded tile Mayor, and the sentiments were expressed that he would enjoy a happy term of office ■and receive the co-operation of the members in pursuing the proposed programme of works. In a happy speech Cr. de Castro thanked the meeting for their kindly references. He said tliat lie was genuinely- sorry tliat he ;wa.s retiring, but his private affairs and present state of health precluded him from giving the time necessary to carry out the duties of a councillor. So far as any differences of opinion were, concerned he was glad that it had not spoiled the friendship. He hoped on some future occasion to again be a. candidate for municipal honours. In adding his tribute and appreciation of the work of the. Mayor Cr. de Castro said that such items as public reserves, the council chambers, and other matters would stand as a monument to the ability and foresight of His Worship. The report by the Mayor was too modest, and did not half convey the enormous amount of sterling work carried through by Mr Marshall. The speaker said that he was leaving the council without any feelings of bitterness, but he still desired to voice his protest over the creation of the Normanby Road special rating- area, which he considered was unfair, especially in a borough and over a main street area. In conclusion he desired to extend good Wishes to all the members for their successful return to office. He had enjoyed the pleasure of assisting in a humble way with the progress of borough affairs, and trusted liis successor would worthily fill his chair. (Applause.) REPLY OF THE MAYOR. In reply to the- members the Mayor thanked them sincerely for their congratulations and expressions of goodwill. He said that he looked forward to the next two years with some anxiety, view of the large amount of work to be- done. He believed now, however, that be would receive the co-operation of members, and that good work would be accomplished.