MAYORAL INSTALLATIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15918, 2 May 1912, Page 9

MAYORAL INSTALLATIONS.

CHRISTCHURCH. MR HENRY HOLLAND INSTALLED IN OFFICE. retiring MAYOR reviews the YEAR’S WORK. The installation of Mr Henry Holi,„f] „«. Mayor of Christchurch, toon S h, t evenins in tho City C.«ndl Chambers, all the Councillors being present except Messrs H. D. Acland and C D- Morris, who were out of town There was a fair gathering or Councillors’ wives as well as a moderate attendance of tho PuMic. Tho retiring Mayor, Mi J- J- Dougall, presidecT, and briefly announced the reason for which the Council had been called together. He added that it was customary for the outgoing Mayor to give a resume of the finances and the work of the yeai. Tho estimated general expenditure for 1911-12 was £86,371, less amounts for salaries, for cemeteries, waterworks, electrical departments and expenditure on baths £18,343, leaving an estimated expenditure on the general account of £68,028, as against an approximate actual expenditure or £66,631. The estimated general recoipts were £89,242, less tho items 'previously lneptioned (£18,355), leaving estimated receipts on the general account of £70,887, and approximate actual receipts £66,852. The debit balance on tne general account on March 31 1911, wms £36,148, less advances to’ other accounts £3489, leaving a. sum of £32,659. The approximate expenditure during tho year was £66,361. The ( approximate receipts were £65,552, leaving an approximate debit balance at March 31, 1912, of £32,437. The expenditure on electrical plant during the year had been £2508, and the receipts on electrical maintenance accounts £15,544, while the expenditure, exclusive of depreciation, had been £12.183, leaving an approximate credit balance at the present date on tho electrical account of £16,827, or a total of £29,697. Tho following mileage of streets was metalled in each ward Central Ward, 1 mile 74 chains; Sydenham Ward, 2 miles 3 chains; Linwood Ward, 28 chains; St Albans Ward, 2 miles 30 chains: total, 6 miles 55 chains. In all 30 chains in Moorhouso Avenue and 6 chains 'in Oxford Terrace were made with tarred macadam. A great amount of tarred metal and ordinary patching was carried out in tho Central Ward, St Albans and Richmond. One mile 30 chains of nejv channels were put in in the St Albans Ward, tho paths asphalted and the roads graded to suit new channels. Eight miles 14 chains of wooden kerbs had been taken out and renewed in concrete in the Central Ward: the next year would see the finish of this work. Tho season had not boen a suitable one for tarring work owing to tho great amount of wet weather but despite this fact 75,450 gallons of tar had been used. A total wileago of 33 miles 60 chains of paths had been top-dressed in the various wards, divided as follows Central Ward, 8 miles 20 chains; Sydenham Ward. 11 miles 40 chains; St Albans Ward, 13 miles 70 chains; Linwood Ward, 10 chains;- a total of 33 miles 60 chains. Tanks with furnaces beneath hod been erected in tho Central yard for boiling the tar, tho water and oils being extracted. With the tar thus heated the metal could be tarred and carted almost immediately on to tho streets, whereas' with the crude tarred metal, time required to elapse for the metal to bind l . Thirty contracts had boen let during the year, chief amongst which were additions to tho water works pumping station, the bridge over Dudley Creek, suction gas producer, pumping plant, septic tank, pig hoists and dressingroom at the abattoir.

The year had been a fairly busy’ one in the building trade, especially in the St Albans AYard, which would be seon from the following figures:—

Portions of fivo streets had been widened in St Albans Ward and one in Sydenham. In the majority of cases the owners had given the land, the Council re-erecting the fences. The following was the quantity of water used for dust-allaying in tho various wards, quite irrespective of the Tramway Board Central Ward 16,448,500ga1, Sydenham Ward 2,560SOOgal, Linwood Ward 1,799,000ga1, St Albans Ward 1,735,700ga1, a total of 22,544,300ga1. This total’was much lower than last year, due no doubt to the wet season. The following streets had been laid out by privato owners and dedicated to the Council-St Albans Ward—Mersey Street, Cranford Street (extension), Severn Street, Ranfurly Street (extension), Berwick Street.; " Sydenham—Wordsworth Street (extension). It was interesting to note that the length of streets in the,city at tho time of the amalgamation with the suburbs was 128 miles, and had since increased to 142 miles 27 chains, the total approximate area being about 900 acres. During the year 1401 ordinary connections for water had been put in and 504 metered connections, bringing the total number of ordinary connections to 7698 and metered connections to. 1823. a grand total of 9521. A contract had been let for an additional pumping plant and a new wing had been built on to the pumping station to receive it. A new suction gas producer had been installed. Twenty thousand pines had been planted on tho candhill reserves near Bottle Lake during the vem and wero doing well. Bods in the city reserves that were maintained by the Beautifying Association had been handed over to the Council. A septic tank had boen constructed to take tlio abattoir sewage instead of running down the Lincoln Road sewer, the effluent Loin rr distributed over about 4* acres of the adjoining paddocks. New pig hoists had been placed in tins slaught.ihouse for more effectually dealing with the slaughtering of the pigs, and a drmsimr-room had been erected foi the use of the slniightermon. . . Mr Dougs 11, after referring to t o Coronation festivities, said that at da time of the Coronation the late Altr 1• E Tartor bad been Mayor and lu.cr given 'tho start to the .Coronation festivities aw'd to the. proicrt foi a Coronation Homo for incurables. By Mr Tavlor’s death the dtv bad lost valuable and energetic j •«. acjgiinistra-tor. The Council jy e tlie wages of its workmen <, year. A step towards Dcity had boon taken when t e „ removed the rails rurroun ■ ink ‘ n< j mer Square and Latimer Sqi- • * ho hoped that the rn'ln an round all reserves would ,( J made An unsuccessful effort bad b •• to secure the Provincial £oi»nM to the city, lint lie boned that- bnclcea 1)V the petitions from 23,060 in P g [Mr He’lend would bo able E ite the Government to give the to tho citv. Another event bad been the banning nq lf , of Vienna Park to the city. m Lake Coleridge power scheme _ n _ in an embryonic state, find t'. 7., re _ ment bad net given an intellip ~ n'y to the Council’s inqmry ■ na to prjce cost of. electricity, miotuig on ” n _ npr horse-power. TTntil n , rj oV ._ tract was entered ipt-o with r- . nr eminent; it would be unsafe t^ trjcal any pxdcpsc councctccf n Cl y rOII . Installations. Tho ouestion ot c trolling the Public Library had

raised during the year, and on a deci- j sion of the Supremo Court depeiul.ee largely tho question whether the tuy Council would take over the control or the institution. In any case, if the canterbury Collego authorities persisted in starving tho circulating branch it would be imperative for the Council take it over. , , • Mr Don gall dwelt at length on Ins visit to tlie opening of the Auckland Town Hall, tho loss of trees on the East Belt owing to escaping gas anu the visit of councillors to Timaru. also referred to the Local Government Bill and the canal question, remarki a that enormously improved railway ra - lities were needed on the Lyttelt iino. The question of the Terntoria forces also demanded attention. J public meeting in the Council Chambers had supported the proposal have honorary members of ferritori corps, and the Commandant and Government favou red the idea; what attitude the Council would ta up remained to be seen. Ho commen ed on the -frequency of visits to New Zealand of Japanese cruisers and ships and tho fact that a Japanese naval officer had visited the dominion in an official capacity,. while another Japaneae Government official was about to visit New Zealand for the purpose of inquiring into the frozen meat trade and other matters, these visits migl t be mere coincidences, but they emphasised the need for internal defence. Mr Dougall then called upon Mr Holland to sign the usual declaration, invested him with tho Mayoral robes and chain, and wished him a pleasuiable year of office. (Applause. The now Mayor remarked that lie was only a beginner, and would not make ahv rash promises, but lie believed lie had a mandate from the electors to make more rapid progress than tho citv had made in the past. His first act would bo to call the Council together in committee, and outline a forward policy. He was sure that ho would receive the. hearty co-operation of the councillors, and he was glad to know that they were backed by a firstclass stafF. Remembering the distinguished men who had occupied the Mayoral chair before him, he was almost overweighted with the responsibilities of his office, but he hoped to come forward at a later date with definite proposals for tho progress of the city. (Applause.) Mr Holland added that owing to the very small space available for entertaining at the Council Chamber lie had been unable to ask even his brother to remain behind for refreshments after the ceremony, hut ho would take a later opportunity of entertaining the citizens publicly. The Council then adjourned for refreshments, some ladies also being present. Felicitous speeches were made, and the new Mayor received many congratulations.

SPREYDON.

INSTALLATION OF MR AY. R GAHAGAN.

Mr AY. R. Gahagan, the new Mayor of Spreydon, was installed yesterday at a pleasant little function in the Council Chambers. Mr J. Down, the retiring Mayor, presided, and there were present the members of the Council and the chief officers.

Mr Down complimented Mr Gahagan on his election after very faithful service in the interests of the borough. In looking back over the work in Spreydon ho was forced to a contemplation of tho great amount of solid foundation work performed by tho old Road Board. In preparing the way for the loan of £20,000 for road formation, the Road Board had done invaluable work, and it was pleasing to know that in semiring the loan the Board had effected a saving of £7OOO in interest during the currency of the loan. The work of channelling had been completed, and road grading was now in hand, but had been retarded by a lack of tar. Tlie. past year had been a busyone, and notable works included a Coronation bath and a Coronation Hall. The district was to be congratulated on its transformation into a borough, and in point of population it was the fourth largest borough in Canterbury. Timaru and Lyttelton led the way, aiid AAteolston, tlie third borough, was only about 100 ahead of Spreydon. The increase in population had been 130 per cent in six years, which was phenomenal. Mr Down then called upon the Mayor-elect to accept the insignia of office, the Mayoral chain, and wished him prosperity and co-operation from councillors as hearty as he had enjoyed himself. The installation of the Mayor was received with applause. Mr Gahagan said that he appreciated very much the honour done him by the electors. In taking so important a position in a new and growing district, he was impressed with the necessity for unity of action and purpose and the co-opera-tion of the councillors in finishing the loan works now in hand, and in carrying out other works which might be brought before the Council. The work most demanding attention for the winter was the roads and footways, but Eurface-water drainage, lighting and flushing of channels also called for consideration. These matters were urgent, and would, he hoped, receive immediate attention. Other improvements, not so urgent, were sewage and high-pressure water schemes, lire prevention and so on. A matter, uppermost in his mind was tho provision of a central domain for the borough. .This was being considered by a committee, and he hoped that a site would be procured. Mr Gahagan referred flatteringly to the work of Mr Down as chairman of tlie Road Board and as Mayor of the borough. Mr Down, he said, carried with him tho good wishes of the whole Council as well as the electors of tho district. Ho hoped that it would not be long before he would see his way to take part again in tho

affairs of the borough. He trusted that the year would be successful, anil that with the united assistance of councillors much good would be accomplished.

The-toast of the King was followed by the toast,s of “The Mayor,” proposed by Mr Down and responded to by Mr Gahagan. “ Tho iSproydon Borough Council ” was proposed bv Councillor 11. Nairn. They were celebrating, he said, the first birthday of the borough. The Council would grow and devcloxi in proportion to tho vision of its councillors, and the maintenance of a youthful spirit would mean success. He believed that Spreydon would bo a model borough. Councillors must not take too much heed of harsh criticisms. They could go forward confidently to make tho district a success. Councillor AY. H. Atkinson responded. Other toasts were tho ex-Mayor, proposed by Councillor G. It. AA r hiting and responded to by Mr Down; the oxcouncillor, proposed by Mr Down and responded to by Mr Clark; “Tho Stall,” “The Ladies,.’ and “Tho Press.”

During the afternoon Mr George Ledsham. foreman of works, on behalf of the Council omployces, presented Mr Down with an enlarged photograph of a group taken at* the annual picnic.

NEAV BRIGHTON. Tho formal installation of Mr J. A. Flesher as Mayor of New Brighton took place in the Council Chambers last evening. All the councillors wero present, and there was in addition a largo number of ladies and gentlemen. After tho Mayor had made the usual declaration, Councillor Scoble presented him with his insignia of office and congratulated him on his appointment. Mr Flesher, in replying, thanked the councillors and ratepayers for having placed him in the position of Mayor. The office had been quite, unsought by him, but ho would ondeavour to carry out the conditions of tho declaration which he had just made, and at the conclusion of his term of office hoped to he able to report satisfactory progress. Ho trusted that his efforts would merit the confidence of the councillors and burgesses. The experience of the past year had been helpful to him. In all things pertaining to his office ho would endeayour to act impartially and for the entire benefit of the borough. Following the installation ceremony a social gathering was held in the Cafe. There was a large gathering of ladies and gentleman, including Messrs R. C. Bishop, G. MTntyre and A\ r . H. Bellamy (ex-Mayors), Mr G. T. Booth (chairman of the Tramway Board) and Mr E. Blake.

The toast of “ Tho Mayor ” was proposed by Councillor J. B. Scoble. In replying, the Mayor stated that he was pleased that reference had been mado to the pioneers, who had dono great work. He referred to the small income derivable from the borough. The first duty of the Council was to provide for tiie necessary things first, and after that luxuries could be considered. The questions of drainage and high pressure water-supply ; were largo and necessary questions. Pago’s Road, he considered, should havo been made much wider. Had this been done, and tree-planting commenced, tho approach to tho borough would have been equal to anything in tho dominion. The permanent reclaiming of the Esplanade should bo taken in hand, and the work continued year by year. The providing of shelters and conveniences was necessary, but in this and in all other matters ho would not bring anything forward until ho had made his . schemes clear to the councillors. Ho thanked them for tho toast that had been drunk so heartily. Ho would do his best for tho borough during his term of office. Tho toast of “ Past Mayors ”, was responded to by Mr R. C. Bishop, who wished tlie new Mayor a very successful year. Other toasts wero honoured, including that of “The Tramway Board,” to which Mr G. T. Booth (chairman of the Board) responded. The proceedings wore interspersed by musical items by Miss Lilian Barpor and Messrs E. J. Johnson, J. AV. Salkokl and Harre.

LYTTELTON. The ceremony of installing Mr M. J. Miller as Mayor of Lyttelton for a further term took place in the Borough Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. Councillor C. Cook occupied the chair, and there were also present : Councillors AA r . Lester, J. H. Collins, J. It. Webb and F. J. Page; together with Mr M. J. AVeir (waterworks engineer), Mr J. H. Barnard (foreman of works) and the Town Clerk (Mr L. A. Stringer). After tho Mayor-elect had mado the usual declaration, Councillor C. Cook vacated the chair, and in doing so wished Mr Miller another successful year. Mr Miller then took the chair.

In returning thanks the Mayor said that lie was pleased to once again have the privilege of being Chief Magistrate of the borough. He had the pleasure of signing his name on the last page of tho old minute book, and his signature was tho first in the new Mayoral declaration register. . On looking through tho minutes of past years, lie had to admire the calibre of many of his predecessors, who had been the pioneers of the iiort. He trusted that the present year would be a .success in municipal affairs. (Applause.) RANGIORA. The installation of the Mayor-elect of Rangiora, Councillor J. Sansom, took place last evening. The retiring Mayor, Mr E. R. Good, Councillors Bell, Smith, Walker, Boyd, Ayers and Jennings were present, and also a number of residents, among whom were some ladies. . . Mr Good, before vacating the chair j reviewed the work dono during his year of office. Referring to the Ashley Bridge, ho said its total cost would bo £12,796 14s sd, over £2OOO above the first estimate of cost. A subsidy of £3500 had been given by the Government towards the work, and tho borough’s share of tho cost would be £2324, less a proportion of the subsidy. The municipal gasworks, lie said, showed n steady expansion of business, the receipts for tho year having been £319 16s lOd more than the previous year. Tho municipal swimming bath, deolared by experts to be the most up-to-date cold water, bath in Canterbury, had. been provided! at a cost of £BOO. The streets were in good order, tho Fire Brigade plant had been overhauled, and all borough departments wero working smoothly. After tho Mayor-elect had signed the declaration. Mr Good invested him with the gold chain of office and then installed him, offering hearty congratulations.

All the councillors congratulated the Mayor on his election, and referred to public requirements in the borough which might receive his attention during his term of office. The Mayor acknowledged the good feelings expressed towards him, and promised to use his best endeavours to further the interests of the town. He referred to the need for a local industry to retain tho population, and advocated tlie establishment of the bcot-i'oot sugar industry. A hearty veto of thanks was accorded to tho retiring Mayor for tlie able manner in which he discharged his official duties, and a similar compliment was passed to the Town Clerk, Mr M. Amy, and his assistant and the outside staff. ASHBURTON. Last evening Mr Henry Davis, who has boen re-elected unopposed as Mayor of Ashburton for tlie tenth year in succession, was installed. The councillors, a number of ex-May ors and other invited guests wore present. The Mayor cordially thanked the ratepayers for having sufficient confidence in him to return him unopposed for the tenth year. It was gratifying

to know that the borough finances were in a thoroughly sound condition. The indebtedness' on March 31, exclusive of special loans, amounting to £‘23,500, which had accrued sinking funds of £1679, was, bank overdraft £6ll, and temporary loans £ISOO. The revenue for the year had amounted to £7715, which exceeded that of 1910, the previous record year, by £1734. The revenue included general rates £2612, special rate £914, water rate £462, rents of reserves £IOSO, electric light power £292, and licenses £520. The excess of expenditure over receipts amounted to £285, to which had to bo added other liabilities, making a total in excess of receipts of £709. Tlie Mayor leferred to the great satisfaction the high-pressure water supply was giving, the improved facilities which had been given the lire brigade in coping with any outbreak, the improvements made in the Domain, the largo amount of street channelling which had been done, and the many improvements which had been carried out in the streets of tho borough. During his present term of office he hoped to see an underground drainage scheme initiated, and he also hoped to see what he had long advocated, the amalgamation of the town district of Hampstead, tho district of Allenton and tho town of Ashburton. Ho cor- ] dially thanked his colleagues for the, loyal support they had given him during the year, and paid a special tributo to the town clerk. Mr A. M’Clure, for tho marked ability ho had shown in the faithful discharge of his duties. The Mayor also praised the work of Mr J. Readbead (the Domain curator), and tho other members of the Council’s staff.

Councillor P. Stewart, tho senior councillor present, then installed Mr Davis, and in doing so remarked that it gave him tlio greatest possible pleasure to hand to the Mayor the keys of office. The Mayor had carried. out his duties in a thoroughly conscientious and able manner, and the fact that ho had again been elected was ample evidence that tho ratepayers were- well satisfied with the manner in which he had discharged his many duties. The Mayor suitably thauked Councillor Stewart for his kind remarks.

During tho evening a number of toasts were honoured, that of tho Mayor himself being most cordially received. [Per Press Association.] DUNEDIN, May 1. Mr Wilson was installed in the Mayoralty of the city to-day. The proceedings were devoid of outsido. interest. GORE, Mayl. To-day Mr Popnelwell was installed as Mayor for a third time. He gavo a. brief resume of the year’s operations. The revenue was £9875,. a record for tho borough, which exceeded the expenditure by £365.

No. Value. Fee?. £ £ B. d. Inner A,ro» . , , 45 43,880 89 10 0 Central Ward 70 25,155 83 10 0 Sydenham Ward . . 123 40,420 130 5 0 St Albans Ward . 231 93,105 300 10 0 Linwood Ward 01 19,431 66 16 0 530£222,021 £670 10 0