HAWERA MAYORALTY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 April 1925, Page 4

HAWERA MAYORALTY.

DEPUTATION TJ> am. J. G. OSBORNE. REPLY PROBABLE-TO-MORROW. The need of getting for Mayor of Hawera at this juncture in the history of the- town, when so many important works lie- ahead ol‘ the Borough. Council, a business man' of experience in municipal affairs, prompted a strong deputation from the Retailers’ Association and other citizens to wait on air J. G. Osborne this morning with a request that he allow himself to be noriiinated for the Mayoralty. air W. C. Gilbert, president of the association, was the principal* speaker. He said they all lelt that Mr Osborne’s experience in the council, and especially his work as chairman of .lie hire Board and of the council’s finance committee, seeuud to fit. him eminently for the wider and more responsible position of Mayor. The business | -tuple therefore hoped he would consent to nomination, and they promised to -support and work for bis candidature so that he might be returned victorious. Mr E. Dixon said that he had given the matter a lot of thought. He realised the importance of th e position :ii I tlie ability needed to fill that position. Ho knew that it demanded ability to tany out the duties and time tc devote to them, and said that he knew no i-na better able to fill the position than IMF Osborne. The experience of ren years be had spent in the council would be of great .value, especially in’, view of the many important works to b© considered. The merging of Nolan town was one matter -in which a man rlio i- ne w the history of the movement fin 1 nad seen it carried into effect would lie-very useful. He hoped- that -Mr Osborne would see his way to decide to -lop i: to the breach and allow himself t-o be nominated.

Mr Osborne, in .reply, said he hardly knew how to express his appreciation oi the confidence they seemed to have in him in asking him to stand for the Mayoralty. He had given the matter some thought, and had always hoped someone more able, than he would come forward. 'He did not seek the position, and had no ambitions in that direction. But. lie added, if no one more able was in sight lie would give the matter very serious consideration. In any case lie had been prepared to continue serving the borough in the* council and to do everything possible for the general good. He realised that there were many developments in municipal activities to come—the electric light scheme, the matter of merging of Nolnntown, and, he hoped, other‘areas, so as to make a good-sized borough. In view of all this, he did not want to act hastily and would ask to be allowed-to consider the question for a day. In all probability he would he able, to give an answer on Friday. Actually he was a busy man*, and had not a great deal of spare time. . ‘.‘But-,’’ lie added, “where' there’s a will there’s a way.” If he decided to fall in .with the wishes of the deputation, -h© would endeavour to the best of his ability to confirm their confidence. He would consider the matter seriously at once. “If I decide, to accede to your request,” he added, “I hope you will support me by electing a very strong and live council.” A member: “If vou decide to stand you had better nominate a council.” - The- deputation then retired aiter assuring _Mr Osborne of its decision to he:lp his candidature in every way.' Mr Osborne intimated that in all probability he would give a reply to-mor-row (Friday) morning.