MR W. BEGG

Evening Star, Issue 17037, 7 May 1919, Page 6

MR W. BEGG

INSTALLED AS MAYOR. Th installation of Mr W. Begg as Mayor of the City took place in the Council Chambers, Town Hall, at noon to-day, and was attended by a largo numbor of ladies and gentlemen." The retiring Mayor {Mr J. J. Clark, 0.8. E.) presided, and the. councillors present were Messrs Bradley, C4reen, Hayward, Wilson, Hancock, Calder, Scott, Taverner, Douglas, Sincock, Thorn, Larnaoh, Thompson, M'Donald, Shacklock, Walker, and Jeffery. Others present were ex-Mayors G. L. Demiietou, G. Lawrence, J. Loudon, and C. R. Chapman, and ex-Grs GiJUson aid Bla-ok. MR CLARK'S VALEDICTORY. Mr Clark, in his valedictory address, said: Mv years of office have been shadowed by tWclouds o£ war, and where there are clouds there is gloom. We have had to tread dark and weary ways and face sorrow, pain, and disappointment. They have been years of .great anxiety, of severe strain, and much perplexity for the life of the CStv, of the Dominion, and of the Empire were at stake. But through it all there has ssliGne such a magnificent spirit of fiaoii.fi.ee and patriotism (that tho glory of those years may well live for generations and"be an inspiration and incentive m those who will come after us. It has j-een a wonderful privilege to liave been illowed to. share in some small way (in the solendid and spontaneous devotion that •the citizens displayed in, helping on our Empire in its time of bitter trial. With the thunder crash of war our discords endel, our bitter social and political disputes were .aid aside, and wo became united as we oad never been before. The city stood inn and determined against the recru■esoenee of barbarism that threatened the ivilised world. If this war has taught :s nothing else, it has shown us tho folly f domestic strife, of wrangling discord ctween man a-nd man. The bitterness of eal warfare has tonight us the evil of inernal strife.

The no «ro indications that give us hope 'rat wo are standing in the grey dawn of i new ena that will bring fresh and won ierful developments of man's position and ,-ork. Let us hope that there will come rom the war an enduring patriotism lobler, purer, and- more exalted than any ve have yot known, not merely in our Im>crial and political life, but also in our oeal civic affairs. There: must be a evolution m the attitude of the average itizen towards the City in which he lives. .Ve have to realise that each of us has a orsonal responsibility for its reputation .iid advancement. Each one must feel, lot ashamed, but guilty if the council's tandard is a low one, or if it fails to carry ut the true purpose of a city government. (J, present most people are too busy to .ttend to the work of he City; they are .■ontent to stand aloof and confine- themelves to criticism and condemnation of hose who are endcavon.ng to the best of heir ability 'to make their city a good ;!ace to live in and beautiful to behold. Ve have yat to fully realise the duty of •itizenship and to develop a civic conoience. During those war years the patriotism of the citizens has been nobly ex-

nbited. They made prodigious sacrifices if time, of money, of c-emfort. Let the :ime spirit of heroic self-sacrifice continue, ho work of our City provides a channel .'or all the devotion and service that the .-ar called: into existence. The work w. 11 demand some sacrifice of case and leisure, .ome loss of material gain, some time deotod to public- duties that may seen un.croic, or even tedious, but which neverlieless are essential for the progress and .veil-being of onr City. The patriotism .vhich astonished us in the early part of he war should no longer be a matter of •vondcv —it should be our normal condition. It is still true 'that " Ite who serves his city best serves his cout.try best." Let us not fail in our civic patriotism, in the love tnd service; of tin's beautiful Oitv of our hearts and our homes. Nature "has provide.] a. foundation whereon to build a beautiful city, and the pioneers built well ami left us a. noble heritage._ _ Free- from many of the dangers and difficulties that surround the cities of the Motherland, we have unequalled opportunity for showing what zeaJous, intelligent, and disinterested citzenship can do in build inig up a city that will be a prido and joy, find become what its founders honed it might be —a model for other cities and peoples.

I would ask the citizens to bear in mind the fact that in 1922 the City_ will be faced with the necessity of raising relemption loans to repay those maturing at tiiat date. In less than three years the City will have loans to the value of 5499,200 falling due—pra-tically half a million The sinking i'mid that will be available at that date to meet this heavy demand will probably be some £85,00 P.

.•• ,d it. may be possible to obtain from oilier -ioip'r-os another ten or twelve thou-■-and pounds. The Oity will therefore be called" upon to raise redemption loans to - the value of £400,000. A couple- of yeflrs later, the Dmmago Board have loans to the amount of £200,000 falling due for which there is no •sinking fund whatever. These loans of the council and board were raised at a comparatively low .rate of interest—an average of less thai! 4J,- per cent. The financial disturbances that have come from the war and the unprecedented de mands that are being made on the money market are creating a much increased rate of interest. The financial experts in the Old World warn us to expect a. greatly increased cost for money, and predict- a very big rise in interest. If this comes about, it will have a most serious effect on our finances. With the combined loans of the council and board we have to raise at least £600.000 in the next year or two. If we are called upon to pay an increased interest of even 1 per cent., it will mean an additional cost to the ratepayers of £6,000 pel' annum—an amount equal to a -rate of 2J,d in the £ : while if we have to pay, as indications seom to point, an extra it will need a 4£d rate to provide the extra charge. Thus, without .giving the City any extrn benefits whatever, and simply maintaining our present position, a large additional sum will have, in all probability, to be found for interest, in view of these facts the citizens will realise that a policy of caution mu"L be followed if the City is to bo run on sane and sound lines. It is the knowledge of what lies .before them that has compelled tho council to refrain from undertaking works involving large new capital expenditure until the red'einption loans are arranged for. In retiring, I most sincerely thank the citizens for the very great kindness they have always shown to me and the splendid response they have given to the numerous calls that were made on them. I record my appreciation of the many societies, as well as 'private individuals, who are always glad to help in any civic work. Duned'in is specially fortunate _ in having many devoted workers, who give their sendees whole-heartedly to help the •distressed, uplift the fallen, or assist in patriotic work. A special tribute of praise is due to the Otago Women's Patriotic Association —(applause)—who, under the presidency of Miss Downie Stewart, 0.8. E., have done marvellous work in connection with all the' phases of our war efforts. Their devotion, courage, and patriotism have been exhibited in countless ways, and their works of mercy and aid have won for them the unstinted gratitude of all citizens and the grateful thanks of our soldiers. Dav and night they have toiled unceasinglv, "and have never failed to respond to any call made on them. They gladlv undertook work that called for exceptional effort and prolonged sacrifice, and which proved invaluable to our soldiers and our City. This organisation combined' in a unique way great efficiency with an absence of mechanical soullessness. I gratefully record my thanks to them for tho devoted and splendid assistance they have given to the City and muself during the whole of the war period. The sympathy and support of my fellowcouncillors have helped to make my dulies easv and pleasant. The councillors have served the City faithfully, and have given their time and ability to build our City up on &ound and progressive lints. To the

departmental heads and the employees my ! thanka are tendered for their loyalty and , willing work. To the energetic and capable Town Clerk (Mr O. A. Ixwin) my grateful thanks and sincere apprccnaioj are given. (Applause.) Dunedu la especially fortunate in having as its chief executive officer a geaU*man oi such exceptional of local government, wide experience, and splendid organising and administrative power, and who devotes himself so wholeheartedly to the City's work. Or J. B. Shaoklock, the Deputy Mayor. is specially thanked for the kindly and generous assistance he so willingly rendered. On many occasions he undercook work when circumstances made it impossible for me to personally attend to it, and I am sure the citizens appreciate the dignified and capable manner m which he carried out his duties. (Applause.)

Your Worship, for so you are now entitled to be addressed, I most heartily congratulate you upon your dignified and importance office. The confidence that the citizens have expressed-in you is evidence of their belief in your wisdom and worth, and of your qualifications for the honorable position of Mayor, of this City. You are entrusted with powers that give you exceptional opportunity to assist and influence your fellow-citizens and to control the deliberations of your council. It is not by the iron will or strong arm that order "is secured or the standard of truth raised higher, but by gaining and holding the key to the hearts of your fel-low-men. It may be that most, if not all, of us who have preceded you in office have failed to reach an ideal standard of leadership; but may you attain it, and so be a bright and shining example to those who will come after you. I can assure you of the loyal co-operation of the citizens in everything that will tend to the betterment a"d advancement of,our loved City. (Applause.) Mr iiegg here made the statutory declaration, and Mr Clark then clothed him with the robe of office and invested him with the mayoral chain. Mr Begg took the chair of office amidst loud applause. CONGRATULATIONS. Cr Shaoklock, in congratulating the Mayor, said tliat his large ruajority was only indicative t>£ the support he would receive from his councillors. There were largo questions to ho considered, and he could assure him. that the council would support him in every matter than effected the progress of the City. Cr M'Donald also offered his congratulations. THE MAYOR'S REPLY. The Mayor said : Allow me first of all to express my thanks for the great honor that lias been conferrel upon me by the citz-ens in electing me to the office of Mayor. I think all will, .agree that- the .late contest was conducted in a. most friendly spirit, and I would like' here to express my appreciation of the manner in which my opponents conducted the campaign. There was a. complete absence of personalities by them, and the only regret that I now have is that those gentlemen are unable to take their seats with us at the council table, for they are all men of experience and ability. I trust, however, that on some future occasion they may set th-eir way to again place their service's at tho disposal of the City and assist in its advancement.

Now that the contest is over the plain duty of one and all is to sink any differences we may have had and join wholeheartedly in a determination to do our very utmost "for the progress and well-being of Dunedin. It will bo my honest endeavor to work in harmony with those with whom T am to be associated in the civic control of the Oity, and I ask for the hearty support and to-opera.tion of the comvil tn the end that our work may be performed expeditiously, and that the general conduct of our proceedings may be markel by dignity and precision. 1 quite recognise -the fact that in following Mr Clark I have an exceedingly difficult task to perform, for he has set such a high standard, not only in the worthy manner he has filled the position, but also in the vast amount of excellent, and useful work he has performed ; to follow in his footsteps is an effort that few would care to undertake without some misgiving concerning the result. The splendid work done by my_ predecessor during the trying time of the world's crisis, now happily pacing away, i« well known to you all, and the energy, time, and devotion given by him_ can ■lever be repaid ; but. nevertheless, it is, T am sure, recognised and highly appreciated by the whole of our people. His bright a'iid cheerful disposition, even in our darkest hours, greatly assisted ali those who came in immediate contact with him, and also the brave lads who left our shores to-'fiirht onr battles in the name of righteousness, and the spirit shown by him is the same spirit that has carried this titanic struggle to so successful an end. The note of true imperialism that has at all times run through his many public utterances, has been most refreshing, and the City may count itself fortunate in having so worthy a representative as Mr Clark for its chief citizen during the epoch-making period of the past four years.

Now that the long-looked-for peace is, lot ns hope, so near at hand, we pray that it may be a rightful and abiding leace. I fully recognise that the immediate- future has in store far us many difficult and important problems, and I can only express the hope that I may be given tho" necessary strength and guidance to carry out my duties ariirht. and to do what in me lies in assisting to shape the Citv's destiny in the ricrht direction. that I will have the whole-hearted support of mv fellow-councillors in dealing with the ninny difficult problems that are certain to arise I have not the doubt, and to the citizens I would also appeal for support, for I a«k them to bear in mind that it is human to err, ■md mistakes, no doubt, will he marie: but this I confidently say : that d-mng mv connection with the City Council tb-re is'not one councillor who has been sitting it this table who ha- nt done hi= veiy best to further the interests of our City In this connection I count myself fortunate in fiavino; the in-sUtance of no fewer thin five ex-Mayor- of the City in Cis Ha-'ic, Shacklock, Wilson, M'DonaUl, and Walker.

I would therefore appeal to the citizens for th-ir assistance in the task- that n'e before- us. We may not. indeed, it is car-1-.in m ■-hall not. do all that is e\p-rtod of us. Tho new conditions that -re shaping themselves a.s after-war problems will demand of us a revision of many of our old-time notions, and the measure of our success oi' failure will very largely depend on the wisdom or -want of wisdom wo disnhiv in our treatment of these now conditions. With regard to the much-di-cussed subject of proL<re*s, I for one "m not prepared to admit that Punedm !',-.« s;one back or is even going back. Where in the whole of the "Dominion have you n municipality with such varied and sound trading comwns? One has to admit that our population ha" not increased nt the same rate ns some of our northern contemnoraries. but the work and products of our Cifv speak for th«m=e!ve-. We have for loner been a» a manufacturing nnd educational centre. Our "■oodn can compete p 'd ho'd fee, world over, and the product's of our edncatitial institution*, not on'y fill some of the highest po-iiions in the- Dominion, but are also reco'mibed 'ts authorities far beyond our =-hor<\-, Opp'nu-e.) Surely, then, if our City. .p">ducing ;'S t-he has dm-> so ir-anv ex< 'hnit men. who -till the s-'Vuvit <: '"tr eai'.v pioneers v ho had to carve their way to sueor-s. tb.« defendants rf thc=e men have and will --tanrp their names in the lutm-"\ ivrespective of wlier* they may be. and prov« Ih'm-civc's an a<-°et and a credit to the city in which they were trained. \ ritv po'-^e'ri'i o " such advantage a-d endowed bv Nature with such beautiful and he-alt 1 "-"'ivi-T -u ran-'t a'" l - 1 will not look back, b'-t continue to pre=-s en and a = -i t not <vdv oyv counfy perl Dominion, but e.;r F"nii- e , for who.we have sacrificed so nn-eh and fe«l so justlv proud of. Then. Indies and ge-ntle-n c n ' I sav let our Ci'y c -e.tinue to be clean, healthy, and whcV-fiome, and our labors will not be altogether in vain. Regarding the duties of mayoress, t'hr-se or vr": who know mv mother a-d (i h-I■-!■-• will agree with me that they will not bo in the duties appertaining

to thit office. If I approach the duties and reaponsiblities of my office with a certain amount of misgiving regarding myself, I certainly entertain no such thought regarding the duties that may fall to the mayoress. (Applause.) THE RETIRING MAYOR. The Mayor then moved—" That the thanks of the council be tendered to Mr J. J. Clark for the efficient services rendered by him to the City during his term of office as Mayor for the period 1915-17 and 1917-10, and that this resolution be recorded in the minutes and an engrossed copy be presented to Mr Clark." Cr Wilson seconded, and said that Mr Clark had. done yeoman service for the City. Cr Shacklock endorsed the remarks of the Mayor and Cr Wilson. Mr Clark had also given the chairmen of the different committees the utmost opportunity of controlling their departments. Cr Bradley also thanked the _ retiring Mayor for his assistance and advice. The motion was carried amidst applause.