MAYOR OF CHRIST CHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 December 1935, Page 8

MAYOR OF CHRIST CHURCH

HON D. G. SULLIVAN RESIGNS

LONG ASSOCIATION WITH COUNCIL CHRISTCHURCH, 18th December. A definite announcement that he intended to resign the mayoralty oi Christchurch, because of his appointment to the Labour Cabinet, was made by the Mayor, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, at the meeting of the Christchurch City Council on Tuesday evening. Mr Sullivan stated his intention when replying to the congratulations of councillors on his elevation to the Cabinet. He told them that while lie could not state the date of his resignation, it would probably be in the beginning of February; but in any case the meeting last evening would in all likelihood be the last he would be able to attend. The Mayor paid very warm tributes to the friendly co operation of the councillors and the staff during his term. In replying, Mr Sullivan said a byelection would be necessary because of his resignation. “The duties that have been imposed oil me by the Prime Minister in appointing me a Minister of the Crown, are going to be very onerous,” said Mr Sullivan "In accepting the position it becomes obvious to mo that it will not be possible to unite the onerous duties of a minister with the onerous duties of Mayor of this great city of Christchurch. _ While I am receiving the congratulations of councillors on my appointment, I have a feeling of regret because this is, as far as I am able to see, the last opportunity I shall have to attending the council either as a councillor or as Mayor of the city. “This will probably be the last, time that I will have the opportunity of taking part in the business of the council,” said Mr Sullivan. "I will separate from you with the greatest regret. I think no Mayor in New Zealand has had more widespread help and co-operation from the city than I have had. Every time I have appealed for help the people have responded in a wonderful and extraordinary manner; jn a manner that has created a reputation for Christchurch in New Zealand and even outside the Dominion. I would be less than human if I did not appreciate fully, as I do, the wonderful help extended to me on all hands.”

COUNCIL STAFF PRAISED

Mr Sullivan said he had received every courtesy and respect from councillors on both sides of the table. He praised the work of the staff, and said that all he had said about, the co-oper-ation of citizens applied more intensely to the staff. Members of the staff were often called on to work in their own time on duties outside municipal affairs when he was making special efforts for the relief of distress in the city, and they had given truly wonderlul help. The motion congratulating the Mayor on his appointment to the Cabinet was moved by Councillor T. Andrews and seconded by Councillor J. W. Beanland, who explained that Councillor Andrews had forestalled him. Other speakers included Councillors J. K. Archer and E. PI. Andrews. They all spoke, highly of Mr Sullivan’s services to the city and claimed that the country would benefit greatly by his new appointment. Later in the meeting Councillor Hayward moved that the council place on record its appreciation of Mr Sullivan's work in the 22 years of nis public service to the city -as councillor and Mayor. Councillor Hayward said councillors had greatly appreciated Mr Sullivan’s sense of balance and fair treatment no matter what party was in control of the council. The motion was seconded bv Councillor E. D. Sargent. Councillor Archer praised the work done by Mrs Sullivan as Mayoress. In replying Mr Sullivan thanked the newspapers for the generous and courteous treatment they bad given him during his term as Mayor.