FINAL MEETING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 21, 16 April 1927, Page 10

FINAL MEETING

THE PRESENT COUNCIL COMPLIMENTS EXCHANGED Thursday’s being the last meeting of the Auckland City Council, as at present constituted, the end of the meeting saw the usual valedictory gathering, during which the councillors and Mayor made the complimentary references which almost constitute a custom. The Mayor (Mr. G. Baildon) said there must be several new councillors whatever were the results of the coming poll, and to those who were retiring he wished to offer his thanks for their assistance during the past two years. He said that in spite of criticism, the council had done a great deal of work, and had conducted itself in a dignified manner. Mr. Baildon paid a compliment to the permanent officials, and said the city was fortunate to possess men of such high standing in their various departments, a sentiment that was supported by several other councillors, and was replied to by the town clerk (Mr. J. S. Brigham). Cr. T. Bloodwortli said that though he was saying good-bye to the council as a councillor he had made friendships that he hoped would endure. Though the various members might have disagreed on policy matters there had never been any feeling outside the council chamber. A peculiar position had arisen, but'every one of the councillors knew that there was no personal feeling in the matter. Cr. J. A. Warnock felt that whatever the results of the election there would be no ill-feeling. Each of the candidates was standing because he felt that it was in the city’s interests for him to do so, as Cr. Bloodworth had

stated. Whatever happened at the polls the friendships, made in the council, vrould be a lasting and pleasant memory with him. Several other councillors spoke in similar terms, Cr. C. F. Bennett remarking that he felt present criticism of the council was belated. It should have been made a year ago. They had to realise the difficulties of the council, and of any mayor, taking over after the progressive period of Sir James Gunson, a man who knew exactly what the council was doing in all its branches, and had a grip of everything.