A POPULAR COUNCILLOR.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 323, 2 November 1917, Page 2

A POPULAR COUNCILLOR.

A farewell was accorded yesterday to Cr R. Lyons, who is not seeking re-election as the member for the Mercer Riding on the Franklin County Council, when Councillors and officials on his invitation sat down to dinner at the Pukekohe Hotel. Cr Renall in proposing " the health of the retiring member" remarked that Cr Lyons had proved one of the most able members of the Council and they all regretted he was leaving them-only for a time they hoped. Cr Lyons had been a member siuce the formation of the Council oA years ago and one and all recognised his abilities. He had served the people of his riding well and if he had stood for re-election he (the speaker) thought he would certainly have been successful. The difficulty of farm labour was the reason for his retirement but they trus'ed that at another election he would be abie to again come forward as a candidate. Similar tributes to Cr Lyons' mas'prlv discharge of duties were paid by Crs W. C. Motion, Wilcox, Woods, Lockwotd, Higginson and Flanagan In reply, Cr Lyons said he regretted that circumstances had n p CP egitated his retirement. When his brother hud been called up he anticipated that he would have passed the medical examination and he (Cr Lyons) arranged to take over the management of his farm. At the same time he announced hisintenlion to retire from the Council and askel another resident to become a candidate As it was, as a member of the Efficiency Board he was busily occtpied aud when the Second Division was called up the Board's duties would be heavier. When the war was over he had little doubt but tint he would again be a contestant for ilia office of Councillor. (Applauso). A ft.nv other toasts followed.