INSTALLATION OF MAYOR.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 109, 9 May 1908, Page 5

INSTALLATION OF MAYOR.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR

McCALLUM.

Last evening the installation ceremoney in connection with the new Mayor of the Borough took place, when Mr A. McCallum signed the usual declaration, and was, for the second time, formally installed in the position of Cnief Magistrate of Blenheim.. Councillor Macey was elected to the chair pro tern. ' The Town Clerk formally reported on the Mayoral election, and Mr McCallum read and signed the usual declaration.

Councillor Macey congratulated His Worship on being returned, and felt quite sure he would carry out the duties with credit to himself and for the advancement of the town.

Councillor Ching also" congratulated His Worship, saying that it had been the custom in the past for the Mayor to be re-elected after his first term, and he was pleased that the ratepayers had done Mr 'McOallum that honour. The election had been conducted without any bitterness —very different from what .it was years ago. .Any person who had seen His Worship in the chair during . his first twelve months, would not have guessed that he was a novice at the game. When he (the speaker) first heard that His : Worship intended to contest the I Mayoralty of the town, he had thought j that he should endeavour to get j twelve months' training as a Councillor, but "he had now, altered his I opinion on the maitter. Councillor White felt bound to congratulate His Worship on his election jas Mayor for his second term, and he sincerely hoped that his re-election would be to the advantage of the Borough. He trusted that the loan money that had been authorised by the ratepayers would be spent with the greatest care. Councillor Macey said tha,t at the [time of [Signing His Worship's nomination paper he thought there would be no opposition, but he was pleased j to say that although there had been one, no question had been raised about the policy of the Council. Although the vrorksi carried out under His Worship had net been very extensive, still, that was owing to the lack of funds, which difficulty would, owing to the1 loan, now be partly got over. Quring t|^e coming year works of considerable * magnitude could be entered upon, owing to the ratepayers having sanctioned the loans—that, he thOjught, spoke volumes for' the policy of the Council. He felt sure that the ratepayers would receive full value for their money. The speaker concluded by expressing a wish that the good relations between His Worship and the Council which had obtained in the past would continue in the future. , Coundillors Patchett, Brown, McKinley and Carr also briefly congratulated His Worship. . -_ In replying, His Worship deeply thanked Councillors for their congratulations. Speaking of the contest, lie was glad there had been one, because it was a good thing to see on interest manifested in municipal affair. The contest, he thought had been contested in a very fair way, and there had been no il^-feeling whatever. Speaking of the past year he said it was beset with difficulties, it was a case of-a .''go slow," policy on, account of the depleted finances. It was- most opportune for him, as he could not do any harm as there was nothing to do it with. But now the ratepayers had granted a loan wherewith to proceed with various works, and he thought that the business-like men on the Council woulct see that it was spent properly. They had certain, works that would require attending to, and some of the money was ear-marked. He wa.s certain that the Council' that had supported him so well ■ Is? st'year, would take up the same attitude aprnin. , He concluded by ffecain thanking tbe Councillors for their congratulations. v COMMITTEES. The following is the personnel of the various Committees:— Works.—Councillors Ching, McKinley. Brown and.Macey. , !■'; Gas.—Councillors Birch, Carr. Mc- ! Kinley arid White. . \ = ■ j Insiitufe.—Councillors Brown,Ohing and Birch. ■By-laws, Legislation and Building.— [ Councillors Macev, G?"fnths and i.white,. j-r.; y:.: . ■ Sanitary and Abattoir..—Councillors McKinley, Patchett fmd J^'rch. ■ Finance.—Councillors Macey, Patchett and Griffiths. . Town Hall.—-Councilors Griffiths; Brown and White. Fire Brigade.—Councillors Carr, Patchett and Ching. The first-named Councillor on each Committee is Chairman of • the Committe. The Mayor is ex-officio member of each Commitee. The Chairman of Gas Committee is to attend Finance Committee meetings at the beginning ef each month in order to peruse gds accounts.