INSTALLATION OF MAYOR OF MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5210, 18 December 1895, Page 2

INSTALLATION OF MAYOR OF MASTERTON.

A statutory meeting of the Masterton Borough Council was held at noon to-day. Present-Crs Perry, Feist, Hornblow, and Hessey, and His Worship the Mayor elect. Mr George Heron was again installed Mayor, after which Cr Feist said that Mr Heron had more than earned any congratulations which the Council might tender him. He waß getting well on to the record holder of office of Mayor for the Colony. The Mayor of New Plymouth had been returned seven times and Mr Heron had now been returned four. Owing to the burgesses putting him into this position year after year, it might mean a stepping stone to some higher honor. Men who had occupied similar positions had been elevated to the Legislative Council, He did not think general political feeling should be introduced at local elections, but the best man should be selected without regard to party politics, Cr Hornblow agreed with the remarks of Cr Feist, He did not think the candidate with tho best ability had been eleoted, as in his opinion Mr Pownall had more ability for the office than either of the others who stood. Ho did not intend to cast odium on the Mayor-elect by his remarks. He believed Mr Heron would do his best for tho town, and he would assist.

Cr Perry did not agree with Cr Horublow's remarks regarding Mr Pownall. If Cr Hornblow considered that Mr Pownall was the best man why did he stand in opposition to him for tho office ?'

Tho Mayor thanked the Corinoil for its congratulations, and apart from any aspirations he might have in general politics, he was 'sensible of the honOr again conferred upon him, Fqr hfird work and hqnesty of purposo bp would npt give in to any man. Mr Pownall might possess better education, but education did not always fit a man' for a public position, He (Mr Heron) had 'done his t)es(, fqr Mastprton, ai]d the burgesses jjj4 recognised that. Ho would do his best for the town in future, and he was sure tho Council would give him credit for the very best intentions,

Cr Foist said he was very sorry that personal matters had been introduced, It would have been better had they been left in abeyance. The proceedings then closed.'