THE RETIRING MAYOR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1385, 13 April 1915, Page 3

THE RETIRING MAYOR.

VALEDICTORY SPEECPIES

Last night’s Borough Council meeting was the last meeting of the present Council, and before it terminated the Mayor, who is nut again seeking re-election, took the oppottrinity of thanking the Town Clerk and Couucillois tor the assistance given bun during the period he bad been connected with the Council, without which, he said, he would have been unable to carry out the duties. During the time he had occupied the Mayoral chair, he had endeavoured to treat all matters brought forward on their-merits, and also to give all Councillors fair and just treatment. He had been a member of the Council practically continuously since 1902, eight years as Councillor and six as Mayor, during which period he was pleased to say he had held the confidence of the electors as a whole, and he wi-hed now to thank the public for the confidence they had reposed in him during all those years. During the past few weeks he had heard repeated expressions of regret that be was uot again seeking re-election, and he appreciated very much this fact, which to him, was sufficient thanks for any services he had rendered. Mr Si lies expressed the hope that all those sitting at foe table, who were seeking re-election, would continue to hold the confidence of the electors, as he was sure that they were all anxious to promote the welfare of the borough. He assured the Councillors that his severance from the Council was with some regret, but be hoped on some future occasion to once again have the honour ol soliciting the sulfiages of the Foxtou people, Cr Chrystail said lie wished personally to thank Mr Stiles ior the kind way he had lulfilled his duties, and for the assistance he (Cr Chrystail) had received at his hands. Mr Stiles was certainly entitled to a well-deserved rest, Daring the four years that he had been associated with him on the Council, he baa not seen an action ot his that was not strictly honourable. Cr Freeman said he could endorse the remarks or Cr Chrystail, and desired also to compliment Mr Stiles on the manner iu which he had carried out his duties. He would have been pleased to see him continue in office.

Or Henderson said h;■ con'd safely say that Mr Sliles h 1 ! been fair in 'all his 1 tilings, and very patient with Councillor-; at all times. He felt sure that very few indeed could have held the podt'on as well as Mr Sliles had done, anti he should certainly have liked to see him again occupy the position.

Cr Read endorsed the reiuatks of the previous speakers, lie was very pleased at the way in which the meetings had been conducted, and Councillors bad always received fair play in every way ft mu the Mayor. Cr Whibley said he was extremely sorry that Mr Sliles was standing down, because lie didn’t think Councillors could have a belter chairman or Foxtou a better Mayor.

Cr Coley also expressed rcgie.l at Mr Stiles’ decision to stand down.

Cr Kornp.slor, said lie was soiry that Mr S ues was not seeking re-election, but hoped on some future occasion to see him again occupying the Mayoral chair. The Mayor thanked Councillors for their kind remarks arid said he ielt sure the sentiments they had expressed were normst, as be knew he had the confidence of every man silting at the table.