THE MAYORALTY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 106, 3 April 1941, Page 9

THE MAYORALTY

MR W. B. TENNENT TO STAND. Replying to a request placed before him tit n meeting attended by between 40 and S(J persons, yesterday, Mr W. 13. Tennent announced that he would offer himself as a candidate for tile mayoralty. The chairman of the meeting was Mr J. C. Young and the other speakers Messrs J. A. Grant and P. D. Clark. A large number ot those present were ladies. Mr Grant presented a petition to Mr Tennent, signed hy Messrs C. W. Anderson, R. J. Andrew, J. O. Boniface. J. .J. Cojfey, J. Craven, W. 11. Clegg, E. L. Cuhitt, P. J). Clark, Mrs 31. A. Eliott, Messrs 1). G. Eraser, J. A. Grant, Mrs C. G. Hayward, Messrs E. R. Howim, J. P. limes, L. Laurenson, Miss M. A. Murray, Messrs T. .1. Rodgers, C. S. ltawcliffe, Mrs L Seifert, Messrs R H. Spencer, W. G. Wilby, E. P. Wix, T. 13. Worrall and .C. Young, in which they requested him to accept nomination as a candidate for the mayoralty, being satisfied that he possessed all the qualifications for worthily discharging the duties and responsibilities of the position. The chairman stated there had been a spontaneous movement in the city to approach Mr Tennent, who had the dignity, time, and energy to devote to tile position, one who could worthily fulfil the highest honour the citizens could offer one of their number. Mr Grant commented that the position called for the highest integrity and ability and was one of heavy responsibility. He gave an outline of Mr Teunent’s career. Eight years ago 31 r Tennent had been elected to the City Council and hud a wide experience ot its various committees. The present Mayor (Mr Mansion!) had served the city well, but, said Mr Grant, the limit to one's originality had to come sooner or later. 31 r Grant's remarks were endorsed by 31r P. If. Clark, and 3fr Young commented that Palmerston North had been fortunate in the calibre of the men who hail come forward for civic honours.

31 r Tennent, who was accompanied by 3lrs Tennent, said he acknowledged the request as a great tribute, llis interest and that of his wife were centred in Palmerston North and both were willing to render service to the city, even if it entailed sacrifices. In that spirit he entered the City Council some years ago. He was the youngest member of tile council at that tune. To-day more than ever the call was lor service ironi young men. “In the same spirit in which I came forward seven or eight years ago,” said 31r Tennent, “1 will accede to your request and offer myself as a candidate for the mayoralty. I fully realise the amount ot time I will require to give the position if elected, but 1 can make the necessary arrangements to enable me to give all the time that is necessary for carrying out the duties ot 3lavor in lull.

“I have been asked what has caused me to stand against 31r Mansford. In answer I can only say that I have the highest regard lor his work as 3layor. He has done his work well; but lie has now held this office for 10 or 11 years and has had a very good run/ I believe that this office is one which should go round to men who have rendered good service to the city and who are qualified to hold office.

“I ant quite prepared to leave the matter in your hands and in the hands of the electors. I do hope that, although the election may be fought keenly, it will he fought on a high plane and that when the result is known the friendship which has always existed between 3lr Mansford and myself will not have been impaired.”