THE MAYORALTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 67, 19 March 1910, Page 9

THE MAYORALTY.

MS L. J. BAGNALL CONSENTS TO STAND. A , representative and influential deputation of citizens waited upon Mr L. J. Bagnall at the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon with a requisition that he offer himself to the ratepayers of Auckland for the position of Mayo* at the forthcoming Mayoral elections, Mr \V. H. Ralph, was voted to the chair. The Chairman pointed out that it was very important at the present juncture that a wise selection should be made by the citizens of Auckland for the position of Mayor. And as the result of a. requisition, it seemed to be the consensus of opinion that Mr Bagnall was the right man for the place. He had won his srpurs by having sat on almost every local body connected with Auckland. His services even went back to the Provincial Council, and by his unremitting devotion to all that appertained to the welfare and progress of the city had eminently proved himself worthy of the highest honour the city could offer him. (Hear, hear.) Since 1901 the revenue of Auckland City had leapt from* £33,700 odd to £153,700 odd, a-nd it required a man of sound business qualities to fill a post that was dearly no sinecure. 'He thought Mr (Bagnall was that man, a man who had graduated from the bottom rung of the municipal ladder, and in whom they would have one fully trustworthy to fill the position of Mayor.

(jVprplause.) The largely-signed requisition to Mr Bagnall was then read by the secretary, after which eulogistic references to Mr Bagnall as a private and public citizen were made by Messrs J. 1L Mennie, J. Farrell and W. E. Hackett. Mr Bagnall, in replying, expressed his appreciation of the honour that was done him by the requisition. True, he had sat on every local body in Auckland, and for the past seven years he had been a member of the City Council. During that time he thought the Council could claim having pursued a progressive and, at the same time, a prudent policy. Auckland was no longer in fear of a water famine, had a refuse destructor for the cleanliness and credit of the city, had a splendid and ornamental bridge just on completion, a Town Hall building that would be a credit to the city, and a municipal electric light and power system that when extended would be up-to-date and profitable. In short, he considered the citizens had every reason to feel satisfied ■with the work of their Council. Mr Bagnall also paid tribute to the harmony and good feeling that existed in the Council, the members of which worked disinterestedly for the advancement and well-being of the city. He himself had done his best, and although he had intended to leave public life and make room for younger men, yet as the gentlemen ipresent and the signatures of the requisition desired him to stand, he would offer himself as a candidate, and hoped, if elected, he would not disappoint them. (Applause.) A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.