An Ex-Mayor Levants.

Manawatu Herald, 23 February 1892, Page 2

An Ex-Mayor Levants.

♦ Considerable excitement has been caused in the city at the receipt of letters from Sydney from Mr A. W. Brown, formerly Mayor of the city, to the effect that he did not intend returning to Wellington. Mr Brown left Wellington about three weeks ago for the purpose, it was then supposed, of transacting some business, but up to Friday last nothing was 1 definitely known as to what had •really become of him. The mystery is now solved, and Mr Brown, in a letter to Mr D. H. Mackinnon, his partner, cooly stated that he has " cut the painter " and intends to make a fresh start in a new country. He stated also that his chief reason for clearing out was not that he had become involved financially, but that after having occupied such a prominent place as a citizen he had not the moral courage to face the loss of prestige. The absconder. it is stated, has written a most unfeeling letter to his wife. Mr Brown was a Justice of the Peace, a member of the City Licensing Bench and Education Board, but he has sent letters resigning these positions. He was also a member of the American Order of Oddfellows, of which he has been Grand Master for New Zealand for the past year. The sudden departure of the ex- Mayor has caused intense surprise, as very few were aware that his affairs were at all involved. A large number of bis personal friends, it is. said, have been " let in " to the extent of about £1000. At a private meeting of his creditors on Saturday, it was decided to take steps to have him declared a bankrupt. — N.Z. TimesT'