FRANKLIN COUNTY COUNCIL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 581, 5 November 1920, Page 1

FRANKLIN COUNTY COUNCIL.

VALEDICTORY SPEECHES. A HAPPY FAMILY. At the conclusion of the business at the "washing-up" meeting of the Franklin County Council on Friday last the chairman, Cr. W. Claud Motion thanked councillors for the support they had accorded him during the last three years, and for the kindly spirit in which they nad discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of the county as a whole. It had been a pleasure to him to preside over such a harmonious council. They had not always agreed on matters, but any difference of opinion had always been settled at the council table. He hoped the new council would act likewise. He thanked them for the consideration always shown to him as chairman. He regretted that some of the present councillors were not seeking re-election, but they would retire satisfied that they had done all in their power to conserve the interests of ratepayers, and had pioved themselves able councillors. The ratepayers had had the benefit of their experience. He hoped the new council would have the same desire in the interests of the ratepayers. He extended thanks to the staff for the able manner in which they had fulfilled their duties. Cr. Short thanked the chairman r,nd councillors and staff for the assistance rendered him during his teim of office. He was not seeking reelection, but he hoped his successor would do his best for the riding he represents. Cr Montgomerie also intimated that lie was not seeking re-election. He had commenced a lot of work which had not been completed, but he was satisfied the work would be carried on whether he was on the council or not. He thanked the chairman and councillors, especially Cr. Woods for the assistance accorded him during his term of office. Altogether he had taken on about 40 miles of metalling during his term, but the work had not progressed as well as he had liked, due to labour difficulties. He hoped the machinery loan would be carried, which would enable the county to acquire modern machinery for roadmaking and other works, and thus expedite the completion of works now in hand.

Cr. Lockwood, who said he waS not starting for honours on this occasion, due to health reasons, stated he had enjoyed himself as councillor during his term of office. He would leave the council an older wiser man. When elected for the Hunua Riding he had mapped out a plan of campaign and was pleased to state he had carried it out with the exception of one item—a road, which would be on the way to completion before he went out of office. The theory of evolution was slow, and although works in the county were slow he hoped that if the machinery loan was carried, various matters requiring attention would soon be put in hand. He had worked conscientiously for the riding he represented, and was sure the majority of ratepayers were satisfied. He hoped his successor would* work as conscientiously as he had done. He thanked the chairman, councillors and staff for assistance given him during his term on the council. He moved a vote of thanks to the chairman for the work he had done during the last three years, stating that the right man was in the right place. Cr. Wilcox endorsed the remarks of Cr. Lockwood, stating the council was fortunate in having such an efficient chairman as Cr. Motion. He hoped Cr. Motion would again be returned, and also that he wouid occupy the chair again. He was having another shot, and if returned would have a record of 30 years' service on local bodies. - Cr. Keith, who termed himself the Baby of the Council, endorsed previous speakers' remarks, adding that Cr. Motion was the most tactful chairman he had ever worked under. The retiring council had been a happy family. Cr. Woods said Jie was sorry the whole of the council was not seeking reelection, He was having another go. Cr. Keith seconded Cr. Lockwood's motion, which was carried unanimously with acclamation. The chairman said he appreciated the remarks of fellow-councillors. He had always aimed at doing his duty ond would continue to do so in the future.