SEASON'S WISHES.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20420, 15 December 1931, Page 15

SEASON'S WISHES.

PLEA FOR OPTIMISM. CITY COUNCIL'S VIEWS. Hopes for the speedy return of prosperity and tho necessity for an optimistic outlook wero expressed at the opening of last night's meeting of the Christcliurch City Council. In conveying to members of tho Council best wishes for a happy Christmas and a return to prosperity during the coming year, tho Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) said that tho City, like all the Dominion, had gone through a particularly strenuous time and Councillors, in their public and private capacity, had had to share in tho circumstances. It had been a time of hard work for all, on account of the distress prevalent in the City. He thanked the Councillors for tho work done by them on behalf of the City, both as regards the ordinary work, of the Council and the extra work in connexion with unemployment. He trusted that during next year the shadow which had rested on the wholo of the Dominion would be lifted and that prosperity would return to the City and the country. Cr. J. K. Archer said that Councillors reciprocated the Mayor's good wishes as far as the Mayor and Mayoress and their family were concerned. He felt sure that it was by an oversight that the' Mayor had not included good wishes to the members of the staff. Optimistic Outlook Necessary. Cr. E. H. Andrews, in endorsing tho remarks of Cr. Archer, said that he reciprocated the Mayor's good wishes, and particularly the hope that prosperity would return quickly. The Mayor liad carried a big burden owing to the increased distress in the City. He hoped that there would be a change before next winter. Certainly there was not much prospect at present, but there wore gleams of light in the sky if they liked to look for them, and it behoved them to look for them and not bo pessimistic. Things were gloomy enough and if they could apeak and believo optimism ho thought it would help tho return of prosperity. The Mayor said that attention had been drawn to his grave omission in failing to refer to the staff, though probably he would have rectified it in due course. On behalf of the Council ho wished the members of the staff a happy Christmas and a bright and prosporous New Year, Whatover. their viewpoint might bo each and every one received the utmost courtesy from tho staff. Even tho youngest Councillor, Cr. Armstrong, who had mado some strong remarks regarding the staff, would agree with that. Cr.' A. E. Armstrong: Thero was nothing personal in my remarks—(Laughter) —I mado that quite clear! The Mayor: I am aware of that and my reference was made in the best of good nature and I hope Cr. Armstrong will take it as it was intended. I wish to convey to the Town Clerk (Mr .T. S. Neville) and his staff our best wishes for Christmas and New Year. (Applause.) t