THE RETIRING MAYOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8092, 24 April 1906, Page 3

THE RETIRING MAYOR.

VALEDICTORY REMARKS. "As the oldest member of' the Council, I have been asked," said Cr. Brooking after the conclusion of the ordinary business at the New Plymouth Borough Council meeting on Monday night, «to tender to your Worship our appreciation of your services as Mayor and presidont over the Council during the past three years." Mr Brooking went on to say that this was the last meeting at which'Mr Cock would preside over the present Council, and the Councillors were desirous of expressing their thanks for the courteous manner in which he had always treated them. It went without saying that there must i B „ n differences of opinion, but the Mayor had always endeavored courteously and fairly, to smoothe over any little difficulties that occurred. He (Cr Brooking) had hoped Mr Cock would contest the seat again, but it was now certain that at next meeting •i new Mayor would fill the chair. In the meantime, the Councillors wished o tender their warmest thanks and appreciation, and to wish Mr and Mrs Cock many long years of happiness. Cr Collis had the greatest pleasure iu endorsing the remarks of C\ Brooking. At Council meetings had given and taken hard knocks, bi. the remembrance of them had ceased at the door of the Council Chamber.

Cr Ewing also spoke in similar terms, and hoped to see Mr Coek back at the head of the Council at some future date.

The Mayor, in thanking the Councillors for their kindly expressions, said that on Wednesday week he would have the pleasure of installing the new Mayor. Reviewing his term of office, Mr Cock mentioned the very many changes in the personnel of'the Council in the past three years; only two councilors (Ci's. Brooking and Collis) remain'' ■ . of the gentlemen who occnpied the seats at the time of his election. There had been a great deal to do in the past three years, and several Councillors had retired, unable to devote time and attention to the tremendous amount of work. He (Mr Coek) was satisfied that his policy of " opening tho backblocks" of the borough, and thus making sections accessible and revenue-producing, had been ? good ono, and he would have continued to carry it out if he had r.> mained longer in office. He did no 1 regret kis -retrenchment scheme, anr hoped the ratepayers would compel the Mayoralty candidates to declare i their intentions regarding it—whether they would uphold- or upset it. He warmly eulogised the services rendered by Crs. Brooking and Collis, as chairmen of the Electrij Lighting and Reserves Committees respectively. He mentioned the excellent stafE of the Borough, and referred to Mr the retiring engineer, as deserving ot " the strongest-worded favorable testimonial" that could be written. They could never fiud a man whtf would stme harder to do his work so well and so faithfully for- the bur.gesses. In Mr Black, the Council had a folly - qualified electrician. Tho Mayor concluded by again tendering his thanks for the appreciative words spoken.