THE NEW MAYOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 107, 7 May 1924, Page 8

THE NEW MAYOR.

INSTALLED AT TAKAPUNA. SPEECHES AND TRIBUTES. Takapuna's new Mayor, Mr. J. W. Hayden, was installed in nflice at a special meeting of the council held last evening. Councillors T. B. Arthur. A. H. Wilkie, .1. Collins. Wilkins, M. K. Thompson, Tucker, I[ Matthews, and i\ W. Suckling were present. Councillor T. B. Arthur, deputyMayor, performed tlie installation ceremony. The councillors, he said, had the utmost confidence in Mr. Ilavden, and they realised that the borough was I fortunate, indeed, in having at its head J a man who had at his disposal a certain I amount of spare time whicli he could [devote to the welfare of the district. During the short time that the speaker had been acting as Mayor lie had •learned what an enormous amount of work has yet to be done, but the council was confident that the new Mayor was the right man to direct its activities. The Mayor, in reply, thanked the [councillors for their expressions of confidence. Jle had the interests of the |boVoiiah at heart, and would do his best tv justify the remarks made by the previous speaker. I The new councillor, Mr. (J. 11. J. Matthews, was also sworn in. i After the formal proceedings, (he Mayor and councillors adjourned and a ;' lmni|iiet took place. Many old members |iif the council, and representatives of the various borough associations attended, including Mr. W. lilomh'eld. a past Mayor. After 'tlie toast of "The King" had been honoured, Mr. Blomfield proposed "The Mayor." The sjienker was pleased that this honour "had l>eeti thrust upon him." He traced the history of Takapttna since the time of its inception as a borough, which was little more than ten years ago. There were present men who had been present at the inception. "Times were so troublesome then," said Mr. Blomfield, "that many councillors could not sleep at night."" (Laughter.) "The Mayor must have the confidence of his council,'' continued the speaker, "ami he should he given every possible support to the benefit of the* borough. ("Jive your Mayor every support and do not be obstructionists. I am sure you have in Mr. Hayden a man who will stick to his policies and not be influe need by outsiders." On behalf of the people of Takapuna, Mr. blomfield promised the Mayor their loyal support. The Mayor, in reply, said that the expressions of good feeling given by the residents gave one good heart. He had taken the position knowing full well what it meant. His policy, as far as possible, would be maintenance out of revenue, and he asked for the co-opera-tion fif both councillors and residents. j"As a council we must pull together to get results." he concluded. The absence of the ex-Mayor (Mr. A. M. <iouldi was regretted by those prosent. In proposing his 'health. Mr. Hayden paid a tribute to the zeal and good qualities which Mr. Gould had displayed as Mayor of the borough. He had often differed with councillors, but they, as. a whole, had given him all respect. Mr. Could had not ? ot the lull reward of his labours, but he had the satisfaction of knowing that lie had [devoted three years of his life !o the benefit of his fellow men. "'On one i occasion, Mr. Gould implied that he was J resigning because he did not have the confidence of the council." added Mr. Hayden. "I wish to refute this, jlf I receive as much support from the eounrillors, as did Mr. Gould. I will be ■more than satisfied."' 1 The following toast list was then I honoured: "The P.oroii'-b Council." i'Mr. T. Hanaa, reply by Mr. T. B. Arthur: "Our New" Councillor." Mr <;. Collins, to which Mr. Matthew* responded; "The Proeressive. Associations." Mr. J. W. Williamson, replied to by Messrs. Sharpe. Warbrick and Blomlield: "The Staff," Mr. M. B. Thompson. Messrs. Fraser and Slinser responding; "The Ladies," Mr. C. Cutler. Councillor Arthur also paid a tribute to the good work of Mr. Bodle and his staff. The proceedings terminated with the! singing of the National Anthem.