COUNCILLOR McVILLY

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 184, 3 May 1927, Page 10

COUNCILLOR McVILLY

CONGRATULATED ON ELECTION why; he did not address ELECTORS Speaking prior to the beginning of tlie. ordinary business of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association Council last night, Mr. G. H. Lusk said all the members would like to congratulate Mr. McVilly upon his election to the

City Council. His activities were well known throughout New Zealand, and his business knowledge and general experience would be of value to the city. Although his election campaign was not an onerous one, the fact that he polled so well spoke for itself. They trust-

ed his period of office in the council would be a very pleasant one, and that they would not interfere with his activities in athletics. ■ Mr. J. W. Heenan also congratulated Mr McVillv upon his election. Mr. McVilly thanked members sincerely for their expressions of good-will. He/said he did not know if he were entitled to congratulations or condolence. “As you know,” continued Mr. McVilly, “I did not take the opportunitv,' which I was entitled to take, of addressing citizens on affairs which were no doubt of vital interest to them. I did that for this reason: My long experience in public service taught me this much—that more, reputations have been wrecked by individuals niakiim promises in 'perfectly good faith and witli the utmost sincerity so far as they were individually concerned, but without individual knowledge or without first having had an opportunity of a peep behind the scenes. , The re-’ suit has been on many occasions that when the same gentlemen have had to decide —or join with others in decidjug certain questions, they found that ’ circumstances over which they had no control were such as to absolutely preclude the possibility of them carrying out their promises. What happened? Their character had ‘gone west.’ They were told they had made all sorts of pledges and had not kept their, word. I preferred to leave myself entirely in the hands of the citizens. My long connection with public life would help them to form their own conclusions —for or against— and I have not the slightest doubt that they appreciated mv point of view, and, well, no matter whether they mav agree or disagree with what I mav do round the council table, do me the credit of believing that what I do will be what I believe to be in the best interests of the council and the city.” (Applause.)