THE MAYORALTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1919, Page 6

THE MAYORALTY.

ixR. BURGESS CONSENTS TO NOMINATION; A very large, influential and representative deputation of citizens waited on the Mayor of New Plymouth (Mr. C.-H. him to reconsider his decision and to consent to nomination for the mayoralty for a further term of office.

Mr. A. H. Johnstone, who acted as spokesman, in addressing Mr. Burgess, said that the citizens who had approached him the previous night had hardly expected in the short time at their disposal to have been able to secure so large and representative a gathering- The attendance, he took it ,was a tribute to the good feeling on the part of the people of the town to Mr. and Mrs. Burgess. They knew that he had made up his mind to retire at the end of this term, and had it been possible to get anyone to satisfactorily fill the position they would not have pressed him to consent to stand again. There was no one, however, the deputation was sure would have the same full measure of support as would be accorded to Mr. Burgess. The past few years had been arduous and they felt it was due to the present Mayor that he should now have the office during what might be easier years Those present were not unmindful either of the great services rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Burgess during their term of office. (Applause). It was the wish of the citizens to re-elect Mr. Burgess because of the dignity with which he and Mrs- Burgess had filled the office. It was due also to Mrs. Burgess, in a further sense, that the office should be retained by Mr. Burgess, because of her great work, in regard to which Mr. Johnstone said it was unnecessary to say more than that work had been recognised in the highest circles. (Applause). He assured the Mayor that the deputation was a guarantee that the Bupport of the community was behind him. (Applause). Cr. Clarke, in supporting Mr. Johnstone, said it might seem peculiar that he should join in bringing pressure to bear on Mr. Burgess, seeing that he himself had declined all sorts of requests (that he should accept nomination. He thought, however, that no one could fill the position more satisfactorily than the preesnt 'Mayor, and in view of the public functions that would eventuate in the near future he. considered it really due to Mr- and Mrs. Burgess that they should remain in office. He. confessed to to little feeling of «hame at making the request to Mr. Burgess, after the very strenuous time he bod had during the past four years. The town, however, had been put on a much better footing altogether during Mr- Burgess' term of office, and if he remained he believed the position could and would be ' still further improved. Mr. R- W. D. Robertson said the strength of the deputation was sufficient to show that it represented the solid support of the town. The people were anxious to thrust further greatness on Mr. and Mrs. Burgees and he hoped they wonld be able to accept.'; Mr. W. J. Tenn. who apologised for the the absence of Mt. Johns, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, said that what was wanted above all at present was a. man of good business ability as mavor, and the deputation were satisfied that in Mr. Burgess they had such a man and hoped he would accede to their wish.

Mr. Burgess, who was heartily applauded upon rising to reply, jokingly remarked that it seemed he had brought this on himself by his saying "good-bye" to the Counnil on fbe previous evening. He said if the deputation knew how much he had looked forward to relinquishing his office he did not think they would have Come to him. He admitted a feeling of inconsistence, because he had said positively for months past that he would not stand. He knew the difficulty in small towns of getting suitable men, but assured those present that if they still persisted in their request he felt there was—"nothing else for it" (Applause). He inade a reservation, however, by Baying that what he had said previously had been the means of causing another gentleman to give a provisional consent to nomination, and if that gentleman still wished to stand for th/ office he would not accept nomination. A voice: He does not want the position 1 Continuing, Mr. Burgess said he must have that assurance from the gentleman himself- He considered it an honor to be asked to stand as mayor or a. councillor and thought everyone should consider it an honor, but he did not want to appear inconsistent in tne eyes of the people in altering his previous decision. He had discussed the matter with his partner and they had agreed that if a man was able to serve him town he ought to do it. He thanked the deputation for the kind things said about Mrs. Burgess and mentioned her desire to have a hostel in New Plymouth for returned soldiers, and said that though her request for financial assistance had been declined hy the War Relief Association, whose only reason was that the need had not been proved, she intended going on with the project, and he hoped that if it became necessary to appeal to the citizens the confidence expressed in them by the deputation would find practical proof. (Applause). Mr. 0. Carter thanked the Mayor for receiving the deputation and acceding to the request. (Applause).