PRACTICE OF SO MANY CENTURIES.

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1910, Page 1

PRACTICE OF SO MANY CENTURIES.

Sir Robert Rogers asked Sir Vezey Strong; if , He were of the Pxotestant faith, and Sir Venzyq Strong" replied in the affirmative. Sir R. IL Rogers: If .elected will you undertake to attend St. Paul's Gathe'dral and other churches on ceremonial occasions, according to ancient- custom?."; Sir Vezey Strong: I .will. Sir Robert : And will you, if elected, abstain from attending in state places of worship unconnected with the Protestant .faith? Sir Vezey Strong: I willnat; The Lord Mayor Elec;. explained that it was quite conceivable trial during- the year of office of any occupant of the chair a foreign King- -might die,, a service- at ;tiie Embassy in London or trie country of that King might be held, at which- dt migh: be thought proper that the Lord Mayor should attend. He would unhesitatingly attend such a service. He would desire, if elected,- to- be the servant of all, and exclude none, and he would not allow religious- beliefs to make the least possible difference in placing his services at their- --disposal. If other circumstances rendered attendance desirable, he would attend any service, "from one in a Roman Catholic Church to one in th c barracks of the "Salvation 'Army.- On the name of Sir Vezey Strong being^submitted, there was a general show of hands! Alderman Sir' Thomas Crosby was the next candidate, and his name was .received with cries of "Next year" A procession then left the hall -to confer with the Court of Aldermen, and, on its return' it was announced amidst cheering, that the choice of the Court, of Aldermen had, fallen on Sir Thomas Vezey Strong, who was accordingl^ declared duly elected Lord Mayor. 'Returning thanks for the "gratifying unanimity" of his election, the Lord Mayor Elect isaid it would be his endeavour to .do everything posbible to up to uphold the prestige of the> city.