MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 102, 9 May 1901, Page 2

MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

Thk installation of Mr John Townlcy as Mayor of Gisborne for the twelfth time took place at the Council Chambers at noon yesterday, when the following Councillors were present : —Messrs Harding, Kennedy, Miller, Bright, Morrison, and Whinray. Cr 'Whinray presided, and in inducting His Worship to the Chair made pleasing reference to the administrative abilities of Mr Townley. He considered that the Council and burgesses had good reason to be proud of their Mayor. His Worship, replying to the remarks that had been made, said that as Mr Whinray had remarked, he had been in the Council from its commencement in 1877, and was the only who had been in the first Council. It had been a matter of very great satisfaction to him to be 'coimeoted with the Council for so many years. They were still urging on the progress of the district, which he thought had now a better future than for some time past. For some considerable time their borough was almost at a standstill. It was now, however, showing permanent improvements, and the revenue was better than for some considerable time. The increase in valuations had been over £7OOO since he became Mayor. They were obtaining a report from Mr Mestayer with regard to a water supply. They had received a letter from him that day asking for further information, rind until they got a report from him as to drainage "they did not know what they would have to face,. In the meantime, they would have to pay interest* on their loan, which would be met out of the threepenny rate, and they to make provision for carrying op the permanent services of the borough and for metalling the roads. Concluding, His Worship -said it would be his endeavor, with the assistance of the Council, to work for the best interests of the borough. Cr Harding .expressed the pleasure he felt in seeing His Worship in the chair again. He congratulated him on the fact that the ratepayers were so satisfied with his services, that nobody bad come forward to oppose him. He referred to the pleasant relationship that had existed between the Mayor and Councillors. Whatever little differences they might have had, they had not carried them away from the Council table. Ho hoped the new Council would work as harmoniously together as the old one had done, Cr Bright also .added a few words. It was his desire, as a young member of the Ceuncil, to congratulate’His AVorship upon entering a fresh term of service. He felt sure fhe Council would zealously work together for the best interests of Gisborne, and that at the end of the term of office thev would show some justification for their existence, and .that they would ever have in front of them as their i first aim, the. desire to make Gisborne : worthy of the. fine district of which it was the outlet,