THE MAYORALTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1915, Page 6

THE MAYORALTY.

CR. BURGESS ASKED TO STAND. TOWN'S AFFAIRS DISCUSSKD. A large and representative deputation waited on Councillor C. H. Burgess yesterday morning to ask liini to accept nomination for the Mayoralty. The answer of Councillor Burgess was "No," but in response to the emphatic wishes of the deputation he consented to reconsider his decision. We have reason to believe that Cr. Burgess last night decided to accede to the request of the deputation. Included in the deputation were Messrs Newton King, Hal. Goodaere, C. Carter, J. B. Roy, J. Clarke, F. P. Corkill, A. H. Johnstone, Hugh Ba ; ly, J. D. Sole, A. McHardy, F. S. Johns, J. Asher, H. Stocker, T. Avery, K. C, Webster, W. N. Ewing, W. P. Nieoll, J. C. Morey, P. J. H. White, R. T. McQuade, and others. Apologies were received from Dr. Leathaui and Mr. J. B. Connett. Mr. Newton King, who acted as spokesman, said they recognised as ' citizens of New Plymouth that "we are up against it." Matters concerning the welfare of the town had reached a very critical stage. The deputation recognised they were asking a lot from Cr. Burgess when they asked him to come forward, but at the same time it was necessary that the town should have a business man to watch over it at this critical stage. Cr. Burgess had teen a prominent business man in New Plymouth for many years, and he (Mr King) could testify to the sterling work which Cr, Burgess had done in Business. Mr. King concluded by voicing the wish of the deputation that Cr. Burgess would listen to their request and come forward as a candidate for the Mayoralty. Mr. H. Goodaere pointed out that the citizens also recognised and appreciated the work which Mrs. Burgess had done in the town in connection with many patriotic movements. It was recognised that even if she were Mayoress she could not do much more to assist, but the work : which Mrs. Burgess had already done entitled her to occupy the position of Mayoress of New Plymouth. The people also appreciated the work of the late Mayoress (Mrs. J. .E. Wilson). Mr. Goodaere hoped tha't the good work which Mrs. Burgess had done and the desire of the people to see her the town's Mayoress would weigh with Cr. Burgess, so that they could sec Mrs. Burgess in • the place where everyone would like to see her.

Cr. Burgess said he felt it was a great honor to have representative citizens coming to him in that way and asking him to come forward for the Mayoralty, and while he felt it would be very easy to say "Yes,'' lie was afraid that he must say "No." Kver since the resignation of Mr. Wilson was mooted people had come'to him (Cr. and told him that tie would make a vp?v good Mayor, but lie had been consistent in refusinc right along the line. His present answer to the deputation was not an inspiration of the moment, for lie had given careful consideration to the matter, and he did not feel that he could really take up the position. It was unpleasant for him to have to say "No," and perhaps they thought him ungrateful, but while he appreciated the honor paid to him he I was afraid he could not accede to the request. Cr. Burgess added that when be was asked to come out as a councillor he had told the deputation.which then waited on him that the town wanted young and active men, and lie would repeat that now. "As far as the finances of the town are concerned you need not worry, because you have not got any," added Cr. Burgess. "To meet the requirements of street improvements to provide for the wants of areas which have merged into the borough a great deal of money has been expended. Most of the loan money has been spent and you will have to live on the husks for many years. It is probable that you will have higher rates, and I can say that if I were Mayor there would be higher rates, for it is impossible to meet the requirements of the town with the present revenue." Mr. King: We will swallow all that. This deputation was only got up yesterday afternoon and we could have got the whole town to come here. Cr. Burgess said he thought he had been too easy. When he came forward as a councillor it was on the understanding that he would fill the place of the late Mr. 6. Tabor for six weeks, but be now found himself still on the Council and he was chairman of the Tramways Committee and chairman of the Works Committee. Mr. King: That shows you are an experienced councillor, and it is an experienced man we want. You said you would not be a councillor, but you have, been. Cr. Burgess: Some people might think I have not been a good councillor. Voices: No, no. Mr. King then impressed upon Cr. Burgess that it was the wish of the deputation that he would reconsider his decision. Cr. Burgess said that in that case he could not give an answer then, as he would have to go into the matter. Mr. King: At what time will we come back? (Laughter). Cr. Burgess then intimated that he would consider the matter and give an answer to-day, and the deputation withdrew.