MAYOR’S SERVICE PRAISED

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26264, 8 November 1950, Page 6

MAYOR’S SERVICE PRAISED

Final Sitting Of City Council

32 IYEARS’ ASSOCIATION ENDING

The final meeting of the present City Council was Ifeld last evening, when tributes were paid to the long service of the retiring Mayor. (Sir Ernest Andrews). ■He has been a member of the council for 32 years, the last nine years as Mayor. Sir Ernest Andrews thanked the council for its work for three years. The council had been a happy one and had been very considerate to him. He had not peen too strict in his conduct of rpeetings and councillors had not transgressed. Party politics were outside the council. Party voting had seldom occurred, and on occasions he had to give his casting vote. The last three years had been very busy, and the work of the council had extended beyond legislating for the city. The present Government was expecting more from the council. He hoped that the policy of less interference by the Government would continue. Councillors had done a self-sacrificing job, and a tribute was deserved by the staff. The Town Clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) had been most helpful, as had been other officials. Yeoman work had been done by all departments. Without an efficient staff the council would soon be in trouble. Some of the councillors would not be returning to the council. Crs. T. H. Butterfield’ and W. 8.. Owen were not seeking re-election, and only one of the three mayoral candidates could be returned. The Deputy-Mayor (Cr. J. N. Clarke) expressed the appreciation of councillors and citizens of the wonderful work done by the Mayor in practically a lifetime of service. At no time had Sir Ernest Andrews lost dignity. No man knew more of the workings of the City Council. They wished him good health for many years. Organisation for .Centennial Cr. J. E. Taif said it must be with a certain amount of regret that the Mayor was retiring. Sir Ernest Andrews was the* forty-fourth Mayor of Christchurch. He had ably served the city. His knowledge of municipal affairs was wonderful and he had lived through an amazing stage of development. His organisation for the centennial was complete; it was to be hoped that the new Mayor would see that he took a fitting place in the celebrations. He’ had done well and the city was the better for his service. The Mayoress (Mrs Hardy Cookson) had ably hortoured her father and lightened his duties. Cr. G. Manning said there had been *party organisation on the council, and he and the Mayor had had some good “scraps” but the spirit of friendliness and comradeship marked the work for the ppod of the city. The citizens appreciated the energy, ability and experience of Sir Ernest Andrews and his service in the progress of Christchurch. The Labour Party wished him every enjoyment in his retirement. Hundreds in the city had experienced not only the benevolence but also the generosity of the Mayor, said Cr. W. S. Mac Gibbon. Other councillors added their tributes. “While we part as councillors, we shall remain as friends,” replied the Mayor, who was accorded musical honours when he adjourned the council “sine die.’’ 'After the council rose Sir Ernest Andrews and Cr. Butterfield were entertained by other councillors. Presentations were made to them, and to the Mayoress (Mrs Hardy Cookson).