FAREWELL MEETING.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9671, 18 April 1923, Page 7

FAREWELL MEETING.

BOROUGH COUNCIL FELICITATIONS.

The Borough Council, which for tlio past two years has been responsible for the administration of the Borough, met for the last time last evening. Of the nine members of the Council, Cr. F. It. Ball is standing for the Mayoralty, and all the remainder, with the exception of Cra. It. Robertson and W. A. Bowie ; are seeking re-election to the Council. The Mayor referred to the fact tlilix two of the councillors were not again standing for re-election—tCrs. Bowie and Robertson. They had worked well together, although they did. not always see eye to eye. Tins applied also to the other councillors. In regard to the Mayoralty, lie was being opposed by Cr. Ball, and lie was burn more was going to be a clean fight. Whoever won, they would be able to shake hands afterwards. (Hoar, hear.) Cr. Todd also paid a tribute to Cr? Robertson and Bowie, and said the Council, during the past two years, had been a very happy family. Cr. Robertson, in returning thanics, said he would always look back with pleasure on the time he had spent in t-he Council. He had always acted in what ho considered the best interests of the town and had endeavored to do his duty. Cr. Ball said that lie could assure His Worship that the contest for the Mayoralty, as far as he was concerned. would be free from personalities. The Mayor had acted as lie considered best and bad filled the. position without thought of personal interest. They had been nrivilcged to differ on many occasions, but, nevertheless, the Council had got on very harmoniously together. > Cr. ICo lem an also expressed the opinion that the members had got on well together. There had been an absence of bitterness and spite, and personalities had not existed. He wished to thank the members for the very kind treatment ho had received and sincerely hoped he would be returned.

Cr. De Costa said there was bound to be new blood on the new Council, and tins, he thought, would be a good thing. He had enjoyed his time on the Council and hoped to continue in office. If he was not, he would miss the pleasant company lie had enjoyed. Crs. Gray and Bickford also referred to tile kindly feelings that had actuated the Council. The latter referred also to the courtesy of the staff, and wished to thank the rress for the manner they had reported the proceedings. Cr. Collin said he had always been shown every courtesy during his first term on the Council. Some oi them had been accused of not having chough to say, but Ins experience was the man who had the least to • ■'v was always the hardest worker, lb was a credit to the Council tliar, there had not been any time wasted in talking, Jiut they had been engaged rather in working m what they considered the interests of the Borough. The Mayor, in returning thanks, said he had never known a body that had worked together so well. There had been an entire absence ot bicker- | ing, and he could say that each and ' every councillor had done his duty to I the town.