MAYORAL CHAIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20567, 29 May 1941, Page 6

MAYORAL CHAIN

ON NEW SHOULDERS FIRST COUNCIL MEETING MR. BULL. WELCOMED MR. COLEMAN'S TRIBUTE The Gisborne Mayoral chain was placed round new shoulders in the council chambers last night when Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., took it from his own and invested the new Mayor. Mr. N. H. Bull, with it, after the incoming Mayor had made the necessary declaration. Mr. Coleman wore the Mayoral chain for the purpose of opening the proceedings, and in doing so extended to all a very cordial welcome to the council table and to those taking their seats for the first time a special welcome. To those who had been reelected he extended his congratulations. and said he knew they would co-operate with the new Mayor as they did with him. The Mayor required the co-operation of the whole council, without which no Mayor could do his best.

Continuing, Mr. Coleman said he had never exhibited any undue elation on success, and he bore no rancour now. lie congratulated Mr. Bull and wished him success. In vacating the seat, he handed over the office to Mr. Bull knowing that the new Mayor would undertake his duties conscientiously and sincerely and hoping that lie would have a very successful and happy term. Mr. Bull then repeated the declaration. and was invested with the Mayoral chain by Mr. Coleman. Honour Appreciated On taking his scat, Mr. Bull thanked the retiring Mayor for the eulogistic references. Mr. Bull said he appreciated the honour and the difficulties of the position, but, with the assistance of the councillors, he had no fear that the new council would be able to conduct the affairs of the borough with at least the same efficiency as the retiring Mayor and his team had done. Continuing, Mr. Bull said he and Mr. Coleman had been opponents at tho polls on two previous occasions, and lie had found that Mr. Coleman had been able to accept defeat with resignation and victory with magnanimity, an ideal which, Mr. Bull said, he would always strive to live up to as an essential of a man who filled public office. “I cannot let this solemn occasion pass,” Mr. Bull went on, "without asking you to record deep appreciation of Mr. Coleman’s long association with the affairs of • the council and the splendid way he has handled those affairs.” Mr. Coleman’s Services The motion Mr. Bull proposed was qs follows: "That this council place on record its appreciation of the long and faithful service rendered to the community of Gisborne by Mr, D. W. Coleman, M.P., the retiring Mayor, and that we wish him a long and successful career in whatever sphere his future activities may revolve.” Mr. H. E. Maude seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. In conclusion, Mr. Bull thanked Mr. Coleman for his generous remarks, and said he knew they would always remain friends though they might differ in opinion. Mr. Coleman thanked the council for the resolution and added that Mr. Bull _ and he would remain personal friends. Some of his best personal friends were among his political opponents. Mr. Bull extended to the new councillors his congratulations and to the old and distinguished councillors who had graced the benches before him that evening. He knew that the benefit of their experience and knowledge would be given freely on all occasions when they thought the new members were going off the track. The new members at all times would gladly welcome the advice and help of the old councillors. The council faced a very' difficult period with major problems.

“We must face these problems like men, and we must not be ostriches and bury our heads in the sand,” he said.

The main problem ahead was the water supply. The British Empire was facing grave difficulties which must have repercussions on what the council would like to do, and he appealed for the sinking of party differences and strife for the benefit of the council and the people of Gisborne.