MAYORAL INSTALLATION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 259, 2 May 1912, Page 7

MAYORAL INSTALLATION

AN OPTIMISTIC SPEECH. IMPORTANT WORK AHEAD. The installation of Mr. G. W. Browne, the newly-elected Mayor of New Plymouth borough, took place in the Council Chambers yesterday morning in the presence of Crs. Morey, Mannix, Clarke, Ambury, Hartnell, Jackson, Kibby and Buttimore,

After signing the i'=ual declaration, His Worship outlined the policy that will be_ pursued by the council during the ensuing year. It would mainly be a continuation of the efforts to bring the Greater New Plymouth scheme to a successful issue. The completion of the project would be immediately followed by the installation of a tramway system. In addition, the council would have two or three other serious matters to engage its attention. For one thing, the whole of the borough by-laws would have to be revised now that new areas had been included in its jurisdiction. PROSPECTIVE LOANS. A scheme would require to be formulated for the extension of .the water and light services to the offshoots of the parent body. This would involve the raising of loans, as probably the extension of the water mains would have to be carried as far as the Breakwater. It would be impossible to carry out this and other extension work out of ordinary revenue. During the year he hoped to see the council calling for competitive designs for the erection of up-to-date municipal buildings, in order to bring NewTlymouth into line with other boroughs in New Zealand. As regards the water works, a master that would exercise the minds of councillors would be the erection of filtering apparatus. The question jyvould be dealt with in a report to be tabled by the borough enginer.

A BRIGHT FUTURE. Looking to the future, Mr. Browne said that all were agreed that New Plymouth never had a brighter outlook than at the- present time. Capital had been provided for working the -oil-fields at Moturoa, and indieations pointed t* a large amount of capital being expended in developing not only the local fields, but those around Inglewood and other places. In about three months' time the port would be sufficiently improved to berth intercolonial and other direct steamers. Referring to the ironsand deposits, the Mayor said that it was unfortunate that the works had that day been destroyed by fire. Once it was on a proper footing, this industry might benefit New Plymouth even more than oil. It would bring in its train a large influx of population. Concluding, the Mayor expressed the hope that in any scheme devised by the council for bringing the town up-to-date there would be a unanimity of assistance on the part of the burgesses.

| THE AFTERMATH. Councillors and staff then adjourned to the Mayor's room, on Mr. Browne's invitation, to join -with him in drinking the health of the town. I In toasting the Mayor, Cr. Clarke congratulated him upon his election to the mayoralty, and remarked that he was certain that His Worship would have the thorough support of every councillor. Incidentally, he said that the Mayor had a very strenuous year before him, one which would allow him no time for his private business. His position during the present year would certainly be no sinecure.

His Worship briefly responded, and went on to propose the health of the staff, coupled with the name of the town clerk (Mr. F. T. Bellringer). Councillors would.be with him, he said, when he remarked that the relationship which existed between the municipal officers and those at the bend of affairs was of the most cordial raiinv. Proeeediiif. he paid a high compliment to Mr. Bellringer and the officers associated with him.

11l replying. Mr. Bellrinwr spoke of the strenuous vcar before them, and assured oonneillors that they could depend upon the. loyalty of the staff to a man.