HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL

The members of the Borough Cduncil of Hokitika assembled yesterday, at noon, at the Council Chambers, Revell-street, for the purpose of electing a Mayor for the ensuing year.

Present— Crs M'Beth, Button, Bartlett, Mactarlane, White, Cosgrave, Boyle, Prosser, and Paterson. • • .

On the motion of Cr Macfarjane, .seconded by ; Cr Wliite'; Cr Button -was voted to tlie chah\

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The Chairman said that in obedience to the Act, they had assembled to elect the Mayor for the ensuing year, and he (the Chairman) was now ready to receive nominations.

Cr White sai.l that he had great pleasure in proposing Cr Prosser for the office of Mayor during the ensuing year. Cr M'Beth seconded the nomination.

No other candidate being nominated, the Chairman declared Cr Prosser to be duly elected.

The Mayor, on taking the chair, said that he had to thank theCoun.il fiir the honor conferred upon him, iv being unanimously re-elected to the office of Mayor, as he looked upon it, to a certain extent, that his exertions during the short time he had previously he'd the office had met with the approbation of his brother Councillors. It was somewhat difficult to conduct the business of a new Council because young councillors were generally unused to the conduct of public business, and were apt to feel irritated if the ruling from the chair was against. He could, however, assure them that he had and would always endeavour to rule impartially, with a sincere desire to carry on the business of the Council in the most effective manner, and he believed that in doing this he wouid . be assisted by every member of the Council. Cr Button, in moving that a vote of thanks be given to Cr Prosser for his conduct during the few months in which he had filled the Mayor's chair, said that Mr Prosser had invariably ruled impar ially, bnt at times he (Cr Button) thought somewhat too leniently. Mr Prosser had taken office at a very difficult time, aud the manner in which he had performed the duties of his office was such as to entitle him to the thanks of not only the Council but the citizens generally. Cr White seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously. The Mayor briefly returned thanks. The Council then adjourned to Friday next, jit 7.30 punt