Mr. D. L. Ross Resigns Seat On Whangarei Borough Council

Northern Advocate, 5 September 1945, Page 2

Mr. D. L. Ross Resigns Seat On Whangarei Borough Council

The resignation of Mr. D. L. Ross as a member of the Whangarei Borough Council came before the council at its monthly meeting last night. The question of appointment of another councillor to replace Mr. Ross was deferred until the next t meeting. This is the second resignation of a councillor, Mr. R. J. N. Crosby having resigned previously, and it is the third vacancy on the present council, one having been created by the death of Mr. L. Reynolds. In two instances replacements have been made by the appointments by the council and, unless the Local Elections and Polls Emergency Regulations, making it necessary for local bodies themselves to fill vacancies without by-elections being held, is repealed in the meantime, the council will have to make another appointment. Pressure Of Work In a letter to the Mayor < Mr. W. Jones), Mr. Ross stated that he had reluctantly decided that he had no course open to him but to resign as a councillor, and as the council’s representative on the Whangarei Fire Board. He had reached his decision with much regret, but for several months the increasing demands of his business upon his time had been such that he could not do justice to all the work entrusted to him as well as to public affairs, even by working every day and every evening of the week that he could make available. He would not get relief from this state of affairs until his son joined him in his practice, but this could not take place for another six months at the earliest.

In these circumstances, Mr. Ross continued, he had no option, both in justice to the Mayor and councillors and to himself but to resign. In this he felt the keenest personal disappointment, as there were many municipal questions in which he had hoped to assist, and which would have afforded him the opportunity of giving some dutiful services. Mr. Ross expressed his thanks to the Mayor, the councillors, the town clerk, engineer and other members of the staff for the courtesies extended to him while a member of the council. Council’s Regret

The Mayor said there was no need for a motion accepting the resignation as it had come into effect immediately it had been received by the town clerk or himself, the vacancy occurring from that minute. As one who had often disagreed with Mr. Ross at the council table, Cr. S. J. Snow said he wished to express his view that Mr. Ross would be a loss to the council. Mr. Ross had been most helpful, and it was a pity that his resignation should follow that of another able councillor. Everyone with whom he was acquainted knew that Mr. Ross was working long hours at his business, but. nevertheless, his resignation was to be regretted. The Mayor said the council was unlucky in losing within a short time two such able members as Mr. Crosby and Mr. Ross. Many differences of opinion with Mr. Ross had occurred at the council table, but they were there to express their views and differ if they would. None of the councillors was a “yes-man.” and all were actuated by a desire to serve the ratepayers. Mr. Ross’ resignation meant a distinct loss to the council, but, perhaps when he had surmounted his present problems lie would again be a member of the council. Having discussed with Mr. Ross the question'from all standpoints, he regretted the resignation, but Mr. Ross had considered that he had no alternative. Appreciation Of Services

Also expressing regret at Mr. Ross' resignation. Cr. J. F. Johnson said that he had always admired the way in which Mr. Ross had presented his views, not. hesitating to state them if he was convinced they were right, even if the remainder of the council was opposed to him. . On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided to write to Mr. Ross expressing regret at his resignation and appreciation of his services.

The town clerk (Mr. L. O. Hall), as returning officer, formally reported that an extraordinary vacancy had occurred on the council, and the" council decided to defer the question of appointing another citizen to the council until the next meeting. An appointment of a representatives on the fire board was also deferred.