WILL STAND AGAIN

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 54, 27 November 1928, Page 6

WILL STAND AGAIN

PALMERSTON MAYORALTY REQUEST TO MR. GRAHAM Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, November 26. In reply to a deputation that waited on him this morning, the Mayor (Mr. A. J. Graham) stated that it was his intention to stand again for the Mayoralty, provided it was made a condition of his acceptance that he be not asked to remain in office for more than another two years. The deputation was a very representative one, and high tributes to the work performed by the Mayor were paid by the speakers (.Messrs. W. L. Fitzherbert, J. Ilodgens, both of whom are borough councillors, IV. F. Durward, F. J. Oakley, and M. Millar). Mr. Fitzherbert said that on the request of a number of Palmerston North citizens he had been asked to approach Mr. Graham with a request that he again stand for the Mayoralty. Speaking personally as an associate in public life, Mr. Fitzherbert said that .Mr. Graham had given the utmost satisfaction as Mayor, and the people of the borough had every confidence in him.

Mr. W. F. Durward, as a representative of the general public, said that it was considered that Mr. Graham had filled the position of Mayor with dignity and tact, without fireworks, and without seeking the limelight. He felt that the public as a whole was very satisfied with Mr. Graham, and it was the general wish that he should stand again. Messrs. Hodgens, Oakley, and Millar all endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks, expressing the hope that Mr. Graham would see his way clear to stand once more.

Replying. Mr. Graham said that he had decided not to thrust himself upon the ratepayers, though if it was their general wish he would consent to stand again. During the last few weeks a number of ratepayers had approached him, and, realising the position, he had pleasure in placing himself at the disposal of the ratepayers. Ho wished it to be distinctly understood that he would stand for the next two years only, and under no consideration would he accept office as Mayor for a further term, his reason being that he considered no one should hold the office of Mayor for a lengthy terra. He thanked the deputation for their expressions of confidence, and he would undertake to do his best for Palmerston North. The municipal election will take place in April next.