Mayor’s Official Robes

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1022, 12 July 1930, Page 8

Mayor’s Official Robes

SYMBOLISM IN HIS REGALIA RICH symbolism coming down from Scriptural times and gaining added significance in traversing the mediaeval ages steeps the robes of office of the mayor of every municipality, be it humble borough or throbbing metropolis. Unlikely it is that any mayor fails to appreciate hiresponsibilities as first citizen, but probably few realise, in donning the insignia of office, the full portent of the regalia with which they are invested.

Some may be inclined to think the robe, chain, cocked hat and white gloves are for the most part relics of a more spectacular age when lace and frills adorned masculine attire, but the fact is that each has a definite and urgent significance of ancient origin, in which mere appearance plays no part.

of purpose and humbleness of heart, must always govern his actions and he must keep within bounds all unworthy motives. Only in this way would he be enabled to uphold the dignity of the high office to which he had been called and to make his good influence more potentially felt and his position and person more commanding of respect. The chain is of twofold significance. Like the robe, it is a mark of distinction and favour; it is also an emblem of servitude. In ancient times the wearing of a collar was regarded as a badge of slavery. That custom has long since passed away, equally with the abolishing of the slaves themselves. So then the chain is to remind the Mayor that in addition to being the chief man he is also the servant of the people and inasmuch as the slaves of olden time were compelled to render service to the utmost of their ability, so in like manner the Mayor to remember that he Is not only the “greater man,” but also the “chief servant” of the people and that it is his duty at all times to serve them to the utmost of his ability. GOLD CHAIN

Through all the centuries a robe and chain has been adopted as the outward and visible sign of honour, distinction and

favour, and a token of authority, whether it be the coronation robes and chain which are placed upon the person of the Sovereign at his coronation, the robes with which judges are invested, the cassock, surplice and stole which are worn by the clergy. In parentheses it may be remarked that the term “Mayor" is simply the anglicised form of the Latin word “major,” meaning

The chain is made of gold, that percious metal. Precious metal must be guarded with care. So In like manner his Worship must regard the trust and confidence with which his fellow citizens have reposed in him as his valuable trust and he is to defend that trust to the utmost of his power and to see to it that none of its lustre is tarnished or spoiled by any unworthy action. And his Worship's hat. It is made so that it points both ways, forward and backward. This is to teach that while the Mayor looks forward with courage and determination he is also to profit by experience of the past. The hat is worn above the eyes and the sides of it point upward, being slashed on one side with a golden stripe. The upward point is to direct the wearer's eyes to a Supreme Power to whom he may look for guidance; the golden stripe is to indicate that the rays r>r blessing of Heaven will shine upon upright and worthy motives.

“greater." The Mayor is therefore the “greater man" of the city, not in any vainglorious sense but actually as the chief citizen, placed there by his fellow citizens. ROBE’S FABRIC

Concerning the robe, atteution is first called to its fabric. It is of two colours, black and white. This serves to remind the Mayor that in all questions which come before him in presiding over his council he is to bear in mind that there are always two sides, and that it is his duty to judge impartially and to act with fairness and consideration toward those whose opinions may differ from his own. The robe is encircled with a border of white fur. White is the emblem of purity and the fur, of humility, and inasmuch as the white of the robe encircles the black, it is intended to point out that purity of mind, honesty

Finally, the white' gloves. These symbolise cleanliness of band and that • the Mayor begins a new term witht out mark of stain or dishonour.