RICCARTON.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14660, 8 May 1913, Page 8

RICCARTON.

The- first meeting of the new Riccarton Borough Council was held last night, when there were present:—His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. Reynolds), Crs. F. George. W- HeltweU, A. D. Tord, T. Waddell, G. R. White, G. J. Stokes, J. Dempster, and C. A. Hampton. There were also present at the function held at the Mayor's houso those who,had retired ftorn the previous Council. The Mayor, in his speech, congratulated the old members on having been returned to office, and welcomed the three new Labour members ; who, he declared; would co-operate with the old members in promoting the best interests of the borough. The old Council, he said, had realised its limitations, and had satisfied itself with the performing of tho tasks which lay nearest to hand; it had not been concerned with, fhe initiation of any new works. Notable amongst the by-laws passed had been one relative to the driving of stock. Presently the Council would have to select new and central premises for Council "offices. At present the lighting of the borough was not good, but he had great hopes of the Lako Coleridge scheme. The Government railway workshops were in tho district, and it was likely that there would he a power houso there. Roads and footpaths would be maintained, and he trusted that the Government would contribute to their cost. So far as the Council was concerned, there would bo no agitation for any alteration in the present system of rating. Councillors spoke congratulating the j\layor on his second term, and stated their intention to support him in all that would be for the benefit of the district.

After the installation, the Mayor (Mr J, Reynolds) invited the councillors and ex-councHlors ■to his house for a supper and social gathering. Many iinatters were discussed, and the gathering, which was of an informal character, was very pleasant.