VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1965, 15 April 1919, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MAYOR (TIRYSTALL EULOGISED.

ASKED TO CONTINUE IN OFFICE.

At the conclusion of the business at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council, the Mayor said that meeting would be the last ordinary meeting of the present Council. The .Council had a-fairly strenuous term of office, owing to the war, through which any works of progress had been made most djllicutl. Under the adverse circumstances he considered they had done as well as could be expected. During, their term of office they had introduced the Belmont metal into the borough, and the surface of the roads on which this had been used were a great improvement on what previously obtained. Improvement had been made at the gas works; the Town Hall had been leased at a satisfactory rental, and a very good lease had been arranged in conned ion with the Target Reserve. In connection with the acquisition of the Round Bush and the providing yf swimming baths for the town, (hey had dune all they could do, Iml so far without success. The slate of (he finances of the borough - was sound, (he year having ended with a, debit balance on the general account of £2OO less than that of the previous year. This was very satisfactory indeed. During the two years he had occupied the Mayoral chair the meetings had been interit esting, and with one exception most harmonious. He desired to fender his sincere (hanks to the Councillors for their co-operation and assistance to him in maintaining the dignity of the office. There seemed to be an exodus of Mayors all round the district, the Mayors of Shannon. Fcilding, Levin, and oilier placehaving sifmilied (heir intention of retiring. He wished, to slate his reasons for not- seeking re-election, and assured the Councillors that it had nothing whatever to do with the Council. and he deeply deplored-the necessity for leaving (hem. His decision to retire from office was for personal private reasons. What services he had rendered to the borough had been-given willingly and ungrudgingly, but there was a limit) to the sacrifices any man could make, and he felt (hat lie could no*/ again accept nomination. He earnestly hoped they would gel a good man to till (he chair. He had the welfare of the (own and district atheart, and lie had made many friends in the district, and Foxlon was Die birthplace of his children. Some people seemed to think that anyone would do for a Mayor, and in Bedding, whore they were having a little trouble in getting a Mayor this year, (here was a poster stuck up: “Wanted, a Mayor. Any old horse will do!” Any old horse would not do for Foxlon, where (hey had in (he past, been very careful in flij selection of their public men. He again (hanked the Council for their kindness in (he past, and expressed the hope that (hey would all be returned to office.

Cr. Coley expressed keen regret Dial Die Tvlayoi’ was retiring. The present. Mayor was like wine, “he improved with age.” and just as h;l was getting to be a good Mayor ho wanted to leave (hem. He hoped Mr Clirystall would reconsider the matter, as he for one would very much like to see him back in the chair. Cr. Henderson said it would be a great loss (o Die borough if tho Mayor did not accept dllicc for another term. The question of water and drainage was now before them, and the Mayor should see it through. It was the wish of all thq Councillors and the majority of the electors Dial lie should retain office for a further term.

(V. Thompson said ho would like (o see the Mayor reconsider his decision. There was a strenuous (imj ahead, and a man with the Mayor’s experience v.-ould he of great assistance to the Council. Cr. McMurray also would like to see the Mayor accept office again. In connection with water and drainage, they knew (hey had his sympathy, hut they also wanted his assistance. It would he disastrous at this stage to get a Mayor who was opposed to progress. Mr Chrystall now had everything a,I his lingertips, and it was in the interests of the borough that, lie should retain office.

Cr. Hurley endorsed all tha I had beeii said by the previous speakers.

Cr. Hannah said if they could not; induce the Mayor to reconsider Ids decision, lie Imped that on some future occasion he would again offer his services.

Cr. Malker said lie desired In thank Hie Mayor for Ids kindly reiemices, to Councillors: it lmd®always been a pleasure to him lu sit with *i:he Mayor, and he would be very pleased if he eould see his way to reconsider his decision.

Cr, Kempster said he also would like to see the Mayor' reconsider his decision, as it was a pleasure to sit at the table under him.

Cr. Bryant said that as the'question of waiter and drainage was now before the Council the Mayor’.-! practical knowledge woidd be of great assistance. The Mayor expressed his sincere (hanks for the remarks made by Councillors, and fell (hat it would be discourteous on his part if lie at once gave them an emphatic “No” He would give the matter his consideration, but as he had already announced his intention of retiring ho did not like to go back on his decision. He was pleased to know that it was the unanimous desire of the Council that he should again accept

nomination. He only hoped that Hi 1 . M:null would see his way to accept nomination, as he was undoubtedly eminently fitted to fill the position. He would give the request of the Councillors careful consideration, and let them have his decision by the end of the week.