Avondale's Mayor Springs Surprise

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 126, 18 August 1927, Page 11

Avondale's Mayor Springs Surprise

RESIGNATION ANNOUNCED THREE COUNCILLORS FOLLOW Accepting the decision of the ratepayers of Avondale in favour of amalgamation with the city as a vote of no-confidence, the Mayor of the Borough, Mr. H. Tiarks, the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. W. Pendlebury, and Councillors A. J. Edmiston and J. V. Reisterer, last evening sprang a surprise by announcing their resignation. Some ratepayers had an inkling of what was to take place, and when Air. Tiarks arrived at the Council Chamber it was packed by regular followers of the council’s proceedings, and by prominent supporters of the amalgamation. Air. Tiarks lost no time in conveying his decision to the meeting. He said: “Gentlemen of the council, — “We have now arrived at the parting of the ways. On Saturday last the electors of Avondale passed what can only logically be termed a decided vote of no-confidence in the ability of the council to satisfactorily administer the affairs of this borough. After giving the matter careful and serious consideration I could not possibly retain the mayoral chair and my self-respect at the same time, and as the one is a matter of indifference to me and the other of paramount importance, I am tendering my resignation. T do not desire to dwell on the circumstances which have brought this condition about, beyond pointing out that amalgamation with the city could have been achieved at the end of the present financial year without any ill-feeling or party strife

hud the amalgamation committee m t been quite so precipitate in their actions and thereby have extended bc-th courtesy and consideration to a council which had only just come into existence.

T desire to express my thanks and appreciation to the members of the council for their help during the short time I have occupied the mayoral chair, and I shall ever remember with pleasure and gratification that at no time did discord, quarrel or even a division enter into our deliberations. This morning I received a deputation from the outside staff of the Borough Council asking me not to resign and I can assure them that I appreciate their goodwill and loyalty more than I can express, although unable to accede to their request.”

Turning to the clerk. Mr. Nunns, he added that on two occasions he had. held the power to dismiss him. Ilis failure so to do had been charged to him by ratepayers as weakness. Notwithstanding that clemency, however, he regretted to have to say that he failed to appreciate any loyalty Air. Nunns had extended him. He expressed the hope that his successor would receive greater loyalty. “NOT GIVEN A CHANCE”

In tendering his resignation Mr. Reisterer expressed respect for Air. Tiarks. He contended that the council had not been given a chance. He intimated that he would be a candidato for the mayoralty.

Councillor Edmiston followed. He likewise wished to tender his resignation. He had no desire to serve such a fickle public who had turned the mayor down without a dog’s chance. Councillor Pendlebury said that he had been a resident of Avondale for 20 years. He had never known such a place for duplicity and disloyalty. He would tender his resignation quite willingly. The meetings in support of amalgamation started only three weeks subsequent to that council t iking office. He characterised the pamphlet issued in support of amalgamation, embodying a comparison of rates, as incorrect. He also asserted in connection with the compiling of same that the City Valuer, Mr. Notley, had been brought out to the borough secretly. His parting shot was that it may bo the last evening on which he might appear on behalf of Avondale. He concluded by thanking the Mayor for the courtesy and clemency he had at all times extended him. Councillor H. Potter likewise expressed thanks to the Alayor for the courtesy he had extended him. Councillor P. Wright said that he would take second place to no man for loyalty to the Alayor. He had pleaded with Mr. Tiarks to continue in office. He challenged Councillor Reisterer with having gone back on his word. He had said he would go out and not seek re-election. A GENTLEMEN’S AGREEMENT Cr. Pendlebury contended that last Sunday an extended meeting was held. The result was a gentlemen’s agreement that they would go out in loyalty to the Mayor. Cr. J. B. Clarke reminded the Mayor that at the last election they were opponents, and he—Cr. Clarke —had told the Mayor that he favoured Greater Auckland. Air. Tiarks: Yes Councillor Clarke suggested a mistake had been made, and that the council should have stuck to its guns. Councillor J. W. Kealy, Jnr., also expressed thanks for kindness and courtesy extended him by Mr. Tiarks. He did not intend to retire. He owed a duty to see the thing through. The Mayor, replying to Air. Kealy, said that he appreciated his expression of thanks. He reminded Mr. Kealy, however, that he too was never unmindful of his own obligations over a longer period than Air. Kealy’s. He thought that if there was one man who would follow him it was J. W. Kealy, Jnr. Mr. Tiarks reminded Air. Kealy that he went round the district at the last election saying that he supported him. He had, however forsaken him. Air. Kealy: How? After more discussion Air. Tiarks moved that the meeting should close, and Air. Potter moved that the meeting adjourn, it was decided on a show of hands that the meeting close. Two other members of who w r ere not present. Air. W. H. Alanning and Mr. J. E. Ellis, are both believed to be suffering from pneumonia, the latter at Fiji. The following still remain members of the council: Alessrs. H. Potter, P. Wright, J. B. Clarke, W. H. Manning, J. W. Kealy, Jnr., and J. E. Ellis. The amalgamation with the city does not take effect until Alarch 31 next, and until then the affairs of Avondale will have to be administered by the Borough Council. Legally, the Mayor and the three councillors who resigned hold their positions until their successors have been elected.