FAREWELLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 184, 5 August 1936, Page 13

FAREWELLED.

MT. ALBERT MAYOR.

TRIBUTES TO MR. FERNER,

RATEPAYERS' APPRECIATION,

All seats were filled at the Mount Albert Borough Council chambers last night when, in addition to the councillors, about sixty ratepayers were present to bid farewell to the Mayor, Mr. R. E. Femur, who was recently appointed to the magisterial Bench, and who will shortly take up his new duties in the South. Associated with the Mayor last night was the Mayoress, Mrs. Ferner, who, upon entering the council chamber, was presented with a beautiful bouquet. The deputy-Mayor, Mr. IT. A. Anderson, said it was with feelings of pride, mingled with regret, that tliey had gathered to bid Mr. Ferner farewell, and to wish him long years of health and happiness in the high ollice to which he had been called. He expressed appreciation of the innumerable good works by which Mount Albert would ever have just cause to remember Mr. Ferner.

Mr. Anderson paid resource, initiative and talent of the highest order had marked Mr. Pernor's management of 'borough affairs. His inspiring qualities of leadership, infinite patience and unfailing courtesy had been powerful instruments ill fostering and maintaining the true spirit of co-operation and goodwill which had prevailed in the council chamber. The progress of Mount Albert during the past three years reflected the dignity, ability and devotion with which the Mayor had steadfastly pursued the duties of his office. In the wider sphere of metropolitan activity he had added lustre to an already enviable record, and his appointment to the magisterial bench was an appropriate reward and a fitting climax to a career of honourable and unselfish service.

Mr. Anderson also paid tribute to the many noble services rendered to Mount Albert by the Mayoress,. Mrs. Ferner. In all matters of civic welfare she had displayed an active interest, coupled with an intense enthusiasm and spirit of cheerfulness which had earned for her the respect and esteem of all. Record of Appreciation. Mr. Anderson then moved:—"That the council places on record its sincere appreciation of the many signal services rendered to the borough by Mr. Ferner during his association with the council, and particularly during his occupancy oi the Mayoral chair, and expresses the hope that he will enjoy long years of health and happiness in the exercise of I his judicial functions."

In seconding the resolution Mr. F. E. Martin said it was not a pleasure to be saying farewell to one who had served Mount Albert as Mr. Ferner had done It had been a privilege to work with one who had such a humanitarian outlook and a desire to serve. "While we are satisfied you will see justice done on the magisterial bench we know that you will hold out a helping hand to all," said Mr. Mai tin, who also expressed appreciation of the services to the borough rendered by the Mayoress.

Mr. A. F. Bennett, a former Mayor ot the borough, spoke in high praise of the services to the borough rendered by the Mayor and Mavoress.

Other speakers were Messrs. V. A. Coyle, B. Brigham, G. 15. Carr, If. L. Kayes, P. Floyd and J. Nixon (councillors), T. R. Congalton (town clerk) and Biss (borough engineer). The resolution was then put and unanimously carried amidst applause. On behalf of the council Mr. Anderson presented Mr. Ferner with a leather portfolio and Mrs.' Ferner with a set of glassware. Retiring Mayor in Reply. In reply, Mr. Ferner" thanked all the speakers for their expressions of appreciation and good wishes. From all sections of the community he had received hearty co-operation. From the councillors, sporting bodies, social and religious organisations, also the council and town clerk and engineer, he had received every assistance. When he first became associated with the council there had been some keen and perhaps bitter discussions, but now all was peace. TTe referred to the improved position of the rates and finances of the borough, and said the.council had the goodwill of the ratepayers. In a word of advice to his successor, whoever he might be, Mr. Ferner touched upon local body reform, which, he said, must be received .broadmindedly in approaching any problem. On behalf of himself and Mrs. Ferner, without whose assistance he would never have been able to do what he had, he thanked the council and ratepayers for their expressions of appreciation and good wishes.

Those present then joined in singing "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows."

Mr. ancl Mrs. Pernor were entertained at supper by tlie council.