The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 6, 1915. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1394, 6 May 1915, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 6, 1915. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

Aktkk serving the borough in the capacity of Mayor for a period of six years, Mr G. H. Stiles yesterday installed his successor, Mr Alf. Fraser, into the civic chair. Foxton has not yet attained to the dignity of an investing ceremony and although the insignia of office is lacking, yet the ceremony afforded an opportunity to the incoming Mayor to make a few appropriate remarks concerning the luture conduct of Council meetings, which will meet with the entire approval of the public and we hope the endorsement of Councillors as well. Mr Fraser expressed marked disapproval of “in committee’' methods when dealing with matters of public concern, excepting the usual consideration of tenders and threatened litigation. The public has a right to know the details of Council proceedings, otherwise the way is left open to questionable practices. As the trustees of the ratepayers, the Council should take the public into its fullest confidence and Mr Fraser intends to administer the affairs of the borough on these lines. That he will have the hearty co-operation of the Council in this connection there is no reason to doubt. To the retiring Mayor the warmest thanks of the community are due. Mr Stiles has served them faithfully and well. During his lengthy term of office as Mayor, he has submitted important proposals for their consideration, including water and drainage, the acquisition of the gas works, and the erection of a town hall together with the municipal picture enterprise. Excepting the water and drainage scheme, the other proposals were carried out and are monuments of successful municipal endeavour. Without going into details, which are familiar to our readers, it will be seen that Mr Stiles put in a very strenuous period and retires with the full assurance that he served the people well. Mr Fraser will not find the position a sinecure for there are matters of administration in connection with the borough which require very careful handling and the sacrifice of much time. But we have confidence in Mr Fraser’s ripe experience in municipal affairs and his ability to carry them to a successful issue,