VALEDICTORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1919, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

COUNCIL-TABLE FAREWELLS. THE MAYOR PRESSED TO STAND. At the conclusion of the business a the New-Plymouth Borough Council las night the Mayor took the opportunity seeing it was the last meeting of th present council, of thanking councillor, for the loyal way in which they had tup ported him. One thing he was particu larly pleased about was the coniilten way in which they had attended tb meetings. That showed their real inter est in the work. It had prevented mat ters being held up from time to time, am enabled the work to bejrot through ex* peditiously. He had differed from tome on occasions, but he had always believed in, and allowed, the councillor* having their full say on all subjects. He also thanked the town clerk a&d «thef officers for the assistance they had rendered him. The clerk had everything at his finger ends, and the engineer was always able to give any information wanted without delay. He remarked that criticism had been met with for the stand he had taken over the borough streets, but he was satisfied he had taken a right course, otherwise nothing would have been done. He expressed thanks to the electrioal engineer, and to the chairmen of the different committees, especially the electric light committee. (The work of that committee was now a big undertaking, and Mr. Clarke had done his work well. Finally, the Mayor said he was sorry to part from the council, and reiterated his thanks to all.

Cr. Deare, as a young councillor who was not seeking re-election, said kid business claims prevented him coming back. He thanked the Major and councillors for the courtesy shown him, tod admitted the term had been 4 useful Otoe to him, and he thought more business men of the town Would be tUe better for a term on the council.

Cr. Griffiths said the condition o! the town to-day, Compared with four years ago, was ample evidence that the council had not been idle, and the improvements effected were largely due to the work of the Mayor, to whom also credit wag due for the improved financial position of the borough. He agreed with what Cr. Deare said in regard to the business nun of the town coming on to the council. The council and town had been fortunate in having such good officers. He Was quite sure people outside were not aware of the efficiency of the town clerk in his duties. In regard to the Mayoralty, lie said that whoever occupied the position, no one would be able to set the council work carried out better than the present Mayor had done. v Cr. Collis expressed his Mgwt at the Mayor's decision not to seek re-eleotion. He had set a high standard of zeal in the manner of carrying on the work of the council. Cr. Collis also referred to the activities of the Mavor and Mayoress in other matters associated with the town, and said that whoever followed them had a high standard to reach, and the ratepayers were under a great obligation to Mr. and Mrs. Burgess. Cr. Browne, who also said he did Hot intend to return to the council table, expressed his feeling that the town had been particularly fortunate in having Mr. and Mrs. Burgess as Mayor and Mayoress during the past two years. ' . good deal had been said about the criticism of the Mayor and council, lnit he regarded that as the best evidence that something had been done. He wae sorry that the Mayor's term was ending iu*t>t the present time, and wished it might at least extend until the signing of peacJ. Cr. Short said the town had never had a Mayor who had put so much time and energy into the council's work as Mr. Burgess. Difficulties had been experienced in the matter of labor and the high cost of material that had affected the carrying-out of work, and he felt that the public in its criticisms of the council did not realise all that that had meant.

Cr. Hill, in joihing in the wlwy.of the Mayor, remarked that he would Hot know until the ratepayers decided whether he was coming back. Cr. Clarke thanked the Mayor for the remarks made about the work of the electric light committee. He was sorry to see so many of the councillors not seeking re-election. In regard to the Mayor, he thought he would find it Very hard not to come back to the council, and the townspeople would not let him go out. He thought before this week was out he would understand that the people wanted him not to get out. It was felt that Mr. and Mrs. Burgess, should be in office in view of the taany official functions to come, because of their close association with all the patriotic work of the town, and he hoped they would be able to accept a further term of office. Further than t hat, the council had some-big undertakings before it—big commercial transactions—and needed men of experience to pilot it. He believed that for its size there was no town in New Zealand that would have the sources. of revenue New Plymouth would have in the near future. He did not believe the croakers; people only listened to croakers becauss they knew no better. What was wanted in New Plymouth was ajspirit of patriotism for the town. .It was of no U»# the ratepayers criticising the council while they took so little interest in municipal affairs. Cr. Clarke concluded with a word i of thanks to all who had assisted him, ' especially the officer* and stiff of the council. He did not think there W&8 a town in the Dominion where information was more readily obtainable than in the New Plymouth borough offices. The town clerk (Mr. P. T. Bellringer) returned thanks on behalf of hU-.lf and the staff. They had had a strenuous „ I year, and it was Encouraging to find their efforts appreciated. flic Mayor, in acknowledging the remarks of councillors, said they were making it very hard for him. He had had four years of strenuous Work, and though he did not want to appear unwilling to serve the town he felt he had ,< had a j*ood innings. He thanked them. .. l for their kindness, and said that If the . people really did wish him to remain in office he might reconsider his decision. >

DEPUTATION TO'MR. BURGESS.

After the meeting, upon being approached by some of the councillors and other prominent citizens, Mr. Burgess consented to receive a deputation to-day at the council chamber at 10 a.m.