MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13110, 8 May 1908, Page 8

MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

RANOIORA

The. installation of Mr C. W. Bell as \Mayor of Bangiora for the ensuing year took place on Wednesday evening. There were present:—The retiring Mayor (Mr E. W. Relph) ; Crs. Jennings, Keir. Carnnchaelj Gulliver, .Wilson and the Mayor-elect and a few burgesses. Mr Relpb, in vacating the Mayoral 1 chair, said that the question of a public bath had been held over until they had initiated a water supply scheme. Ho thought a Beautifying Society should be-formed,' as there were a good many spots in the borough that could be embellished. Although leaving the town, ho would always have kindly feeJings towards Rangiora, and would like to see it progress. Ho thanked the Councillors for help rendered, during his term of office and concluded by complimenting the town on having elected Mr Bell as liis successor.

The Mayor-elect then made the declaration and took his seat in ttio Mayoral - chair.

Cr. Jennings stated that tho town ,had been fortunate in having such a Mayor as Mr llelph. Ho congratulated the incoming Mayor on attaining tho office, he being a native of the town. Tho speaker gave a statement of the progress of tho gas' works. Tho total receipts had been £698, with street lighting £155, and the profits on fittings and sale of tar and coko £270, making £1123. The expenditure, including interest, wages, coal, carrying, and sundries, was £822. leaving a credit balance of £301. Tho actual profit on tho gas, tar, and coke wat* £51 Oβ, added to which the general revenue was relieved of about £100 expenditure on the street lamps. The Mayor, in replying, said that a future improvement would bo a wator scheme, and he hoped one would be placed before the ratepayers shortly. A public bath and a sewerage scheme would follow the water &chemo. >\ Association would also improve (the town. Mr H. Boyd thought if the gas works were going to be profitable the price of gas should bo reduced

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring Mayor for his assistance ir. arranging tho financial portion «? tho gas works scheme, and for help rendered in other ways.

Mr Ilolph, in replying, stated tha+ ho intended to present tho Council with the first link in a MayoTal chain.