SHANNON MAYORAL ELECTION.

Shannon News, 13 March 1923, Page 3

SHANNON MAYORAL ELECTION.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON MR J. H FARGHER.

In view of the coming Mayoral election, a large and thoroughly representative deputation of citizens waited on Mr J. H. Fargher at his residence on Friday evening to request him to offer himself as a candidate for the Mayoralty of Shannon at the election to be held next month.

Mr A. H. Morgan, in introducing the deputation to Mr Fargher, said it gave him great pleasure to introduce such a representative assemblage of leading citizens, who wished to request Mr Fargher to allow himself to be nominated as a' candidate for the Mayoralty at the coming election, knowing as they did that he had the welfare of the town at heart, and the great. respect in which he was held by the community, they trusted he would give their request his consideration.

Mr .J. W. Murray said that in bringing the deputation forward they did so after very careful consideration; They had been associated with Mr Fargher in both public and private life, in both of which spheres his activities had bedu successful and marked with great caution. “We have not come for private reasons,” he said,* “but purely in the interests of the town, as we consider it essential to have the best man as leader if progress is to be madfe. A Mayor must have the backing of his councillors, and we know you would have their support and confidence. The time has gone past when 1 sentiment must decide, and we must endeavour to get a good leader. We hope you will weigh our words and say Yes. !

Mr Randall said that when invited to take, part in the deputation, he fell in with it immediately. As they all knew, he was connected with the Labour Party; he was not going to voice 1 lie opinion of the Parly officially, but for some time they had been dissatisfied with affairs in the borough, and he was quite sure a fair measure of support would come from that direction; ,and be, personally, would help to form a committee to support' Mr Fargher. file Rev. Mr Abbott said he was proud to be one of this deputation, which was so representative of the town. He said there were two questions they had to well consider: one Was that this was the..age of young men, and the. other the’welfare of the Borough of Shannon. During the ten years he had been in New Zealand* lie believed this was the most unprogressive spot lie bad resided in. “These gentlemen have come to you as representatives of all classes of opinion in the borough to ask you to' be our leading citizen, knowing you will cany out the duties capably and be an honour to the community,” concluded the speaker. Mr Bert Spencer said he had known Mr Fargher for some years, and hfeld him in high esteem. When the time arrived he hoped he would be in the Mayoral chair. Cr. E. Spencer said that, in voicing the feelings, of the councillors, he could say they held Cr. Fargher in high esteem and longed for him fo take the position of chairman of the. Council.

Mr Beard remarked that the deputation was out, for the advancement of Shannon, and there was a lot of work to be carried out, especially since the water loan had been car ried. It was necessary that a good man should be at the head of affairs Mr Fargher had all the necessary qualifications, viz., he was a cautious business man, and could -wdl uphold the dignity of the position. “I endorse .the sentiment of tixe oilier speakers and trust you will allow yourself to be nominated," he added. Mr Fargher, on rising to reply, w.as received with applause. He stated, to be candid, he had received an inkling two days, before that he was to be approached. In the meantime lie had gone into the matter, and htd practically decided not to be a candidate. The question that had troubled him was, "Have I the time?” But. the weighty •representations made to him had rather upset, bis resolution. If a man took up the position he had to be prepared to work, lie was-not afraid of the Mayoral duties,, but it was a question" of his being able to make arrangements to devote the time. A deputation of this kind \yas a serious matter. It was almost a command from his fel-low-citizens. “I would like to point out,” said Mr Fargher, “that I am out for steady progress, but would be strongly opposed to extravagant spending of public money, thereby placing a heavy burden on ratepayers. I thank you all for your good opinions and goodwill, and ask for a day or two to give your request further consideration.’’ (Applause.) The deputation thanked Mr Fargher and withdrew. MR FARGHER CONSENTS.

On Saturday Mr Fargher notified Mr Morgan that he had decided to allow himself to be nominated as a candidate at the coming Mayoral election.