A POPULAR MAYOR.

1 ♦ Foe the past two years the burgesses of Wanganui havo been particularly fortunate in possessing as the chief officer of the Municipal Corporation a gentleman of the calibre of Mr A. J. Parsons, and in leaving the mayoral chair to-day, we are but expressing the feelings of a large bulk of the ratepayers in stating that he does so with unfeigned and most sincere regret. It will be in the minds of many that when he first entered upon his duties it was a debatable question as to how he would acquit himself. If any reply were required, it was satisfactorily and unhesitatingly answered on the termination of his first year of office, for he was re-elected unopposed. His popularity at that time was assured, and to-day he resigns the chair, occupying the proud and envious position of being one of the most popular men in Wanganui. The cares surrounding such an onerous position as that of Mnyor are manifold — that is, under ordinary circumstances — but when to theso is added a heavy overdrawn account to the amount of £2400, it will readily be admitted that, under those circumstances, it cannot by any means be viewed as an enviable one. Such was the state of affairs when Mr Parsons took offico ; and, contrasted with to-day, what is the result? That incubus has been decreased £2320, leaving only £80 overdrawn ; and, furthermore, during tho last half-year the Council have paid no interest at all. This latter item will be bettor understood when it is mentioned that interest on the overdraft the year previous to his talcing office amounted to £196. Such a satisfactory solution of financial difficulties could only havo been brought about by tact and a full insight into the Borough affairs, backed up by indomitable pluck and energy. Finance has not been the only important matter that has engaged Mr Parsons' attention, for he quickly applied himself with assiduity to the toislc of reducing the cost of lighting the Borough, and hie efforts havo resulted in a further saving to the ratepayers of £ICO in this direction. Then thero are the improvements in roads and footpaths, etc., that have from time to time been effected, to say nothing of those works now in progress, and though probably they leave a great deal moro to bo desired, still it cannot but be admitted that a great deal has boon done in this direction with but limited funds.

Another marked and noteworthy item in Mr Parsons' career as Mayor are the relations that have existed between himself and the Borough Councillors and officials. These relations have been harmonious to a degree, and in holding the reins of office he lias been actuated by a desire to guide with a silken cord — that of courtesy and urbanity. That he has succeeded, is beyond tho shadow of a doubt, and his many acts of disinterested kindness will long be remembered, not only at the Council table, which ho lias graced for two years as Mayor, but also as a townsman, ono who takes the liveliest interest in anything that pertains to the prugress of Wanganui, mid of whom Wanganui is justifiably proud. In bidding adieu to Mr Parsons as Mayor with regret, we welcome heartily Mr Henry Nathan as his successor, and trust that his term of office will bo marked by the most pleasurable remembrances concerning his connection with the highest civic office it is in the power of the burgesses to bestow,

Sporting notes by " Pakeha " are unavoidably hold over until to-morrow.

A press telegram from Wellington to-day states that the Xongariro sailed from London for Now Zealand on Monday.

Viola's weight for the Flying Handicap at the Feilding Jockey Club's meeting is 6st 121 b, it was accidontly omitted from the list of publishod weights.

Mr T. G. Philpot is to the fore again this Ohrißtmas with all the delicacieß of tho season. His advertismeat appears in another column.

At tho Police Court this morning before A. J. Prsons, Esq. J. P., Mary Ann Nuglut for being illegally on premises in Park Place after dark was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

It will be Boeu by an advortisment in another column that Mr E. Wright has undertaken the commission business again, and hopes by strict attention to businoss to morit a fair share of support.

At Cremor's Fancy Goods Depot, Victoria Avenue, is tastefully displayod a charming variety of new fancy goods, including a splendid selection of Christmas and New sfear cards and also a largo assortment of art needlowork, consisting of tho very latest noveltios of tho season. Inspection is invited.

The lecture on tho " Language and Anoiont Litoraturo of Erinn," by tho Bey. Charles Jordan, takes place in the Fire Brigado Hall next Monday. From tho brief synopsis given in another column it will be noticod that tho lecturer has an excoodingly wido rango of knowledge on a mo9t interesting subject. Dr Connolly will take the chair at 7.30.

The Wanganui Jockey Club have received a first class lot of entries for thoir Autumn Meeting ; some of tbo best horBOS in New Zealand havo beon ontered, and if Mr Hatoly succeeds in making a satisfactory handicap we may look forward to a most successful mooting. In the Cup there are 35 entries, Flying 33, Wanganui Stakes 38, and Autumn Handicap 36.

Mr E. Parker, tho ominent organist of St Paul's Church, Wellington will givo an Organ Bocital at St Mary's Church tins evening at 8 o'clock. Tho programme will consist of seven excellent numbers taken from tho compositions of Handel, Ginlmant Honry Smart, Hopkins, Hainworth, Spinney, and C. Colhu. Mosdames Lloyd, and Watt, and Mr Foster will give solos and altogether tho programme to bo submitted should prove most acceptable to lovers of high-clasß music

The District Court was occupied yesterday aftornoon and this morning hearing tho case of F. H. DeveroU v Ifowio Bros, of Wavorloy. Mr Hogg appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Marshall for defendants. Tho claim is for £135 for damages which plaintiff allogee ho suffored through being forced out of his shop (which plaintiff held a mortgage oyor) and another man being put in possession ; also the damage to his workiug utensils Ac, which were used hf his successor, and loss of time, &.c. Tho crbo is still proceoding.

The heat last ovoning in the Oddfollows' Hall was positively oppressive, moro partieulnrly troin lack of ventilation. Tho only present means by which a fresh current of air might bo established is nullified by tho closing of tho windows on that side of tbo building where tho lodge room 13 situated. In viow of tho large amount of patronage bostowod by tho public, (hey certainly havo a right to demand that efficient means should at once bo tr.ken to consorve thoir interests in this matter, ovon if only 011 the ground of public health, and apart altogether from comfort and convonienco, items that in theso days of progress should le of paramount importance, more particularly in the summor months, whero such m ducemont ie necessary to ensure support and theroby benefit many a worthy object.

About 40 friends of Mr Fieh, M.H.E. for Dunedin, met last night and presented liim with a puree of £85 10s. Mr C4ourley, the chairman, in making tho presentation, slid it had beon insinuated that the presentations were bogi'c, but lie had subscription lists for ouch of them, and ho had collocted all moneys These could be examined. Mr Fish spoke at great length on the political situation, contending that the Government should resign at once in aceordanco with tho pledgo givon lust sesssion, and Bondcmning any attempts to make appointments to the Council as contrary to the pledgos, distinct and implied, gi\en by tho Government. Ho considered that from the ranks of tho Opposition a Government fully as competent as tho present could be forniLd. He said Sir H. Atkinson was an able and unsolfish politician, and ho should bo appointed Agont-Goneral.