A GOOD CHAIRMAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1939, Page 4

A GOOD CHAIRMAN

CONDUCT OF RECENT MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

MR JORDAN CONGRATULATED. “For the first time in thirteen years the citizens of Dunedin have had the opportunity of observance at close quarters of how, at its annual conference, the Municipal Association of New Zealand conducts its business,” states the “Otago Daily Times” in an editorial entitled “Business-like Procedure.” Probably it is a correct surmise to suggest that they have found cause to be impressed. . ... When delegates to the number of more than a hundred and fifty assembled for the consideration of an agenda paper of many pages and over sixty remits, the stage would appear to the uninitiated at least to have been set for long drawn out and windy discussions lasting several if not many days. Anticipations of such a kind, if entertained, have proved groundless. The conference lost no time, once the preliminaries were disposed of, in getting to grips with its weighty programme, and this to such purpose that two days amply sufficied without a suggestion of hurry, for its deliberations and decisions. There were members of Parliament among the delegates as well as disappointed aspirants for seats in Parliament, ..and to them, ready debaters as they may be assumed to be, the expedition with which the business of the conference was conducted may have been a valuable object lesson. . . .

As a preface to the rejection of a certain remit, the president's terse query, “Do you think it worth while wasting the time of the conference over a £lO payment,” seems, together with the observance of a somewhat strict timerlimit, to supply an explanation of how the conference surged through its formidable programme. The municipal representatives and their chairman may be reasonably congratulated on the creditable despatch shown in the disposal of their business. The chairman of the conference was Mr T. Jordan, Mayor of Masterton. and president of the Municipal Conference. PRESIDENT’S RE-ELECTION. STRIKING TRIBUTE PAID. In moving that Mr Jordan be reelected as president, Mr T. C. A. Hislop (Mayor of Wellington), according to the “Dunedin Evening Star,” said no one could carry out the duties of the office with more assiduous care ana devotion than Mr Jordan. (Applause). Seconding the nomination, Mi’ A. H. Allen (Mayor of Dunedin) said one could only admire the extraordinary grasp of the multitude of affairs relating to local bodies shown by Mr Jordan. It gave him great pleasure in seconding the nomination. No other nomination being forthcoming Mr Jordan was elected, delegates rising and singing “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.” Rising to reply, Mr Jordan got no further than the word “Gentlemen" and then sat down again amid tumultuous applause. . A high tribute was paid to the ability of the president by Mr M. M. F. Luckie (Wellington) in moving a vote of thanks to him.