THE MAYORALTY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 497, 3 April 1933, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY

The decision of Mr. Thomas J ackson to 1 again accept nomination at the forthcoming mayor- . al election should meet with general satisfaction. There are, of conrse, sections of the community which do not see eye to eye with him in his administration. This is but natural, and such differences,- taken by and large, are to be welcomed insomuch that they tend to keep alive a healthy interest in civic affairs. But up to the present there has been-such a wide-spread endorsement of Mr. Jackson's policy that there can be little difhculty in arriving at an appreciation of his popularity with the burgesses. The deputation which waited upon him last week was illustrative of this feeling. It was comprised of widely divergent interests and classes in the community and they all joined in the earnest. wish that he should continue to place his unaoubted energy and ability at the service of the town. Those closely acquainted with the mayor and his

I work are in a position to know what another term of office means to Mr. Jackson. Withoui public duties he is a hard-worked man. By taking upon his shoulders the many-sided position oi mayor, he becomes one of the busiest men in town, and it speaks volumes for his enthusiasm and capacity for administrative work — work which has been so well accomplished that representative citizens feel thoroughly jusified in asking him to ' accept a third term in office. In- ; deed, Mr. Jackson has a fine rei cord both as councillor and j mayor. He was first elected to | the couneil in November, 1925, j when the number of elective seats was increased from five to seven. In 1927 he was re-elected and appointed chairman of the general committee. In July of the following year, after the death of Mr. Thomas McDowell, and the appointment of Mr. W. J. McLean to the vacancy, Mr, J ackson became depnty-mayor and in 1929 he was electecl mayor. Throughout the whole of his association with the public life of Rotorua, Mr. Jackson has shown a keen, progressive understanding of existing problems and undertakings, combined with foresight and vision regarding the future. With dne regarcl for the stability of the town and the interests of the ratepayers he has pursued a steady, commonsense policy of progress and many of the works he has instituted will come in for full appreciation in the years to come. Among the tasks , which have been undertaken during his terms of office are the suburban drainage scheme, the bitumenising and improvement of the streets, the commencement of the f eclamation work on the la.ke front, the development of Kuirau and other reserves, the beautification of the approach to Whakarewarewa, the institution of improved sanitation for the native villages: and the preparation of comprehensive plans and reports for the. future beautification. of the town. Taking these works alone, apart from the general administrative work of the borough, it will be seen that he has done yeoman service in the best interests of the town. It is, however, necessary to remember that in adclition to ajl his mayoral duties, Mr. Jackson has occupied the unenviable position of chairman of the XJnemployment Committee. Thus has task been piled upon task in such a manner that it has, become something of a mystery as to "how the mayor gets through his job." But he has faced all this . work , with'out flinching and the men .upon.rplief to-day have benefited from his consistent 'shpiport 'aii'd'deai*sighted .sympathy. t His . iiosition throughout these trying years HiaiiiiiHi

he is displaying .f c.ommendable unselfishness in offering to again take up the burden. A pleasing feature of Mr, .Jackson's administration has, also, been the harmony and unity of purpose which has prevailed in the council., There have been differences, of eourse, bnt with a rare tact and patience the mayor has kept his council together ariimated by a desire to give unbiassed public service. As president of the Municipal Association for three years he was right'at the heart of ^ local , go|veimment administration and. from this position has been able to. give advice. to, his council with neverfailing benefit. The fact that he has iiow been appointed. a, vicepresidenf , of , - the association fehows that other commuhities recognise his executive ability hncl wish to retain his services. It seems ■ apparent that the burP'esses ^ of Rotorua will follow