Mr. Mansford at West End

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 115, 16 May 1941, Page 8

Mr. Mansford at West End

Mr. A. W. Just presided over an attendance of about 30 electors at West End last evening and in introducing Mr. A. E. Mansford, referred to the fact that he had carried out his duties as Mayor with credit to himself and with advantage to the city.

Mr. Mansford dealt with the city finances on similar lines to his other meetings. Dealing with the Emergency Precautions Committee, Mr. Mansford

stated that when the Emergency Precautions Committee was first set up as a result of the Napier earthquake various committees were arranged, with Mr. 0, V. Day as secretary. This committee then went into recess until the war brought the Emergency Precautions Committee into prominence with further proposals from the Government. _Mr. Mansford stated that, realising that it was going to tako up m<*re time than he could give it, he first consulted the Deputy Mayor (Cr. Tremaine) to see if he would tako the chairmanship of the Emergency Precautions Committee, and as he replied that his time was more than fully occupied with. Home Guard activities, tho speaker then asked Cr. Tennent if he would take it. Cr. Tennent replied that it was a full-time job, but he supposed he would have to take it as a war effort. Mr. Mansford then got the Council to appoint Cr. Tennent chairman and told lam that Mr. Day would give him all the information lie had. In the following week Mr. Mansford (Mayor), Cr. Tremaine (Deputy Mayor) and the town clerk (Mr. Hardie) left for Auckland to attend the Municipal Conference. “You can imagine my surprise,” said Mr. Mansforu, ‘‘on my return from Auckland on Saturday morning to find Mr, Tennent had called a meeting oUthe Emergency Precautions Committee oy circular and not by puotic advertisement, had not consulted Mr. Day, cud had set up further committees. When I asked him why he had called the meeting he said it had been a matter of urgency. Fancy,” said Mr. Mansford, “the meeting was called lor Friday and the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the town clerk were pack in Palmerston North on the Saturday. No wonder ho got in a taugie.

“Then, because fii3 action was questioned, he caused a breeze with the Mayor at a Council meeting, and out of pique decided next morning to contest tne Mayoralty.

“That, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason this city is put to the expense of an election. Just pique, because Cr. Tennent had previously stated he would not bo a candidate. This young man anxious to serve the city must not be questioned as to his actions! “On top of this,” said Mr. Mansford, “he quietly slipped off to Dunedin and left no deputy, when the Emergency Committeo was required. Whilst Uo was away no one knew whom to approach. This and that person came to me and I could not tell them anything. it seems to me the Emergency Precautions Committee has not been controlled and organised as it should have been,” concluded Mr. Mansford. Mr. Mansford again rererred to Mr. Tennent’s absence from meetings. “Mr. Tennent states that 1 knew where he was. As a matter of fact, I cannot say that I did know where he was—and that is not the question. The question was whether he was away or whether lie was not. Mr. Tennent refers to the fact that he offered his services in connection with the war. If he looks up the records he might find that others have done the same without talking about it. He further refers to the fact that I congratulated him on the report in connection with the gas undertaking. Again, this is a sign of good leadership, particularly in view or tiie fact that i knew most of the figures were compiled by a member of the Council staff. In regard to his lack of courtesy in starting the campaign, the fact that he was going to Dunedin is no excuse at all. All he had to do was to tell me the date he was starting his campaign and give me the opportunity, if I so desire/J, of speaking first.

“Be Mr. Tennent’s advertisement: He states that tho town clerk, the engineers and the heads of departments i will stil lcarry on as usual. Now, won’t the departmental heads be pleased to know that Mr. Tennent states that they will still carry on as usual. Now, won’t Mayor, no matter how good fie fias been, : must be thrown overboard after ho has served ten years, what guarantee has the staff got, particularly from a man who can wobble on tho Sunday games question when he is faced with a crowd. If'fie will wobble then ho will wobble over the staff if he gets in a jamb!” At the conclusion of Mr. Mansford ’a address a motion of thanks and confidence wa3 moved by Mr. Warren and jseconded by Mr. D. Began and carried unanimously. MR. A. E. MANSFORD’S MEETINGS Mr. Mansford has, in response to many requests from business men and shop assistants, agreed to address a special meeting at the State Theatre today at 12.15 p.m. A large attendance is anticipated, and ample room is available for other electors. Mr. Mansford will have some interesting information to put before the audience. To-night at tho Opei-a House, what may be called the last salvo in the campaign will be fired by Mr. Mansford. The deputyMayor, Councillor G. Tremaine, will be in the chair and the meeting will menoe at 8 o’clock.