THE NEW MAYOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 48, 18 August 1911, Page 4

THE NEW MAYOR.

We desire to congratulate Mr. G. W. Browne, the Deputy-Mavov, upon his elevation to the chief civic office in tlie gift of the town, and also the Council on unanimously voting him to the position. As we said before, Mr. Browne has every claim to the position, for he has faithfully served the community for years in multifarious public and semipublic capacities, and at great personal sacrifice. To a very large extent the present highly satisfactory state of the eleotric lighting debt is due to his untiring efforts, no detail ever being too small nor any trouble too great for him. At the present moment, besides having charge >of the electric department, he is a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, a member of the Taranaki County Council, and holds other minor public offices. Manifestly it would be unreasonable to expect him to continue in these offices and discharge the heavy responsibilities attached to the Mayoralty. We are therefore glad he recognises that his new position will occupy all the time he can spare, and no doubt ke will take the first opportunity of dropping out of the other offices. That he will do his best for the town, and carry on the progressive policy promulgated by the late Mayor, we have not the slightest fear, since he was always an ardent supporter of both the Greater New Plymouth and tramways schemes, and a firm believer in the future of the town. He has his opportunity now to further both schemes, and, moreover, has in both the undivided support of the other members of the Council. In regard to the mode of election, we can sympathise with the views of the councillors as expressed at last night's meeting. It is not right that the onus of election should be thrown upon them in a case like the present. It would be infinitely more satisfactory and, incidentally, more democratic —were the choice to be left to the burgesses. What the object sought to be gained by the procedure laid down in the present Act is we cannot understand, for no expense is saved, as an election to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of the councillor has to be held in any ease. It would seem that the law, in this respect, requires alteration.