VALEDICTORY

Northern Advocate, 2 May 1933, Page 7

VALEDICTORY

COUNCILLORS RETIRING

APPRECIATIVE TRIBUTES

THREE OUTSTANDING MEMBERS

Opportunity Avas taken at the meeting of the Whangarei Borough Council last night to farewell several members Avho have rendered signal service over a number of years, and are hot seeking re-election at the polls. The folloAving paragraph appeared in the report of the Library Committee: “At the conclusion of the meeting, Cr, Pinch spoke in eulogy of Cr. Brainsby >s work as chairman of the committee, and moved that appreciation of his services during the twelve years of Ins office be placed on record. Mrs Holmes, as the senior member, who had been on the committee for even longer than Mr Brainsby, also expressed her appreciation, adding that not only the committee, but the council apd the public oAved a great deal to him, and only those avlio had been on the committee could know lioav much time and trouble he had given to the library,” The Mayor said it gave him pleasure to endorse whole-heartedly the reference to the good work done by Cr. Brainsby. He wished to thank Cr. Brainsby personally for the assistance given him during the past four years in the capacity of chairman of the Library Committee. As a member of the committee, Or. Trimmer said he had been astonished, not only at tho time Cr. Brainsby was prepared to give, but also at the tremendous interest ho put into the work,' It was unusual for a town the size of Whangarei to possess a man so weii rend in the classics and yet who had the time and inclination to keep abreast of modern literature and reading of all kinds. Cr. Trimmer hoped that, although Cr. Brainsby Avas not standing again, future councils Avould make sure of his continuation ns a member of the Library Committee. Cr. Brainsby thanked members for their appreciative reference to his Avork, which had been a happy one. The Library Committee dilfered from others under the borough administration, in that the majority of members Avero appointed. They did not come into direct touch Avith the council, but were doing faithful service to the borough, day in and day out. He moved that the council place ou record, and express its appreciation of, the services of members of the Library Committee who were not councillors. Those people, Cr Brainsby continued, devoted Iheir time and 1 bought to tire—interests of tlie institution, and he cited a ease Avhero they had given up their leisure time for weeks ou end to take up a share ot act uni work in the library. The mol ion Avas carried enthusiastically. Cr. Morrish moved that tho council put ou record its regard for the services of Cr. Pickmere, as chairman of IRe Electrical Committee. Cr. Pickmere ,who had been a councillor, for a very long period, had given a great deal of time and careful consideration to all matters which came before him as chairman of one of the most important and far-reaching borough departments. Be, had always carried out his duties Avithont fear or favour. When Cr. Pickmere had regarded criticism as unfair, lie had spoken in no uncertain manner, but had always been impartial. He load carried out Iris chairmanship Avith distinction to himself and honour to the council. Cr. Morrish also referred with regret to tho retirement of Cr. Triinmer.

Cr. Hralnsliy said that it would be necessary to delve far back to find the

commencement of all the good works done by Cr. Pickmere, who had always been impartial and courageous in lus deliberations. The Mayor said that it had been his pleasure four years ago to nominate Cr. Pickmere as chairman of the Electrical Committee. He thought then, as he thought noAv, that the council had the right man in the right place. At times the Electrical Committee had got into hot water, but there were never two ways as to where Cr, Pickmere stood. The Mayor took the opportunity of thanking Cr Pickmere for his services, particularly in connection with his, leadership of the Electrical Committee, Ref erring to the retirement of Cr. Trimmer, the Mayor said that lie had observed this with sincere regret. He had not always seen eye to eye with Cra. Thimmer and Pickmere, but appreciated what, both had done at times in helping him in his position. The Mayor realised the difficulties preventing Cr. Trimmer continuing his connection Avith tho council, but had great hopes of his coming out again at a later election. The retiring member had plenty of tact and avus quick to grasp the important points. He had worthily upheld his eouneillorsliip, and Mr Jones believed that the time would come Avheu Cr Trimmer would aa t cll and ably grace the Mayoral chair.

•Or Pickmore thanked councillors for the gracious remarks, they had made concerning himself. His work had keen made much easier by the excellence ot the electrical, staff, the services' of which he appreciated very much. The outstanding quality of Or. Pickmere had been his fearlessness of public opinion, said Cr. Trimmer, who Avas particularly sorry the chairman of the Electrical Committee was not standing again. Replying to the remarks concerning himself, Cr Trimmer said that he had thoroughly enjoyed his two years’ councillorship. It was the duty of young men in the town to stand for the various local bodies, not only because it was an education, but also.that they might be fitted by experience to serve the public. To that end he hoped some young men would be elected to the new council. Cr. Trimmer intimated that he looked forward to again taking an interest in municipal affairs at a late,r date.