AUCKLAND'S CHIEF MAGISTRATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12270, 14 May 1903, Page 6

AUCKLAND'S CHIEF MAGISTRATE.

INSTALLATION OF THE NEW MAYOR.

MR. EIDD REVIEWS PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

A FORECAST BT THE HON. E.

MITCHELSON

INTERESTING PRESENTATION

A LARGE and representative gathering of town fathers and influential citizens assembled in the Council Chambers-at the Municipal Buildings yesterday to witness the installation, of the Hon. E. Mitchelson as Mayor for the city, a position to which ho has been elected by a large majority of ratepayers in succession to Mr. Alfred Kidd, M.H.R., who has very ably discharged the multifarious duties devolving upon Auckland's Chief Magistrate during the past two years. The retiring Mayor occupied the. chair with the incoming Mayor seated at his right, and a little beyond him the venerable figure of Si, John Logan Campbell, who was Mr. Kidd's predecessor m the ' 1 following members of the City Council The following members of trie City Council were in their accustomed places:—Messrs. T (Patterson, A. E. Glover, J. Court, Dr. Sharman, W. E. Hutchinson , S. C. Brown, a J Parr, P. Dignan, L. J. Bagnall, J. McLeod, U. D. Grey, J. T. Julian, J. Knight, and T T Mascfield. Among the numerous visitor's seated in the public part of the Council Chambers were Messrs. Dutlne, S, Buchanan, M.H.R., W. F. Massey MH R J- W. Shackelford (Mayor-elect of Grey Lynn), Graves Aickin, L. Possemskie, J. Savage, J. McLeod C Hcmery 1. G. Ewington, J. Burns, J . M. Shera , W. H. Smith, T. Hodgson, F. Kenderdmo, R. French, J. Bridgowater, Dr. Moir, J.J. Macky, and Dr. Walker. Several ladies graced the function with their presence. MAYOR'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. Mr A. Kidd, the retiring Mayor, then gave an address. He referred to the Coronation, to the starting of the electae.iiamways, to sanitary matters, and to the infectious diseases~lraspittil. In dealing with the financial position, Mr. Kidd said: At the commencement of my present year of office there was a net credit balance on all accounts of £56.335, which, however, included the unexpended balances of the various loans raised for special works. At the present time, with the exception of the general account, all the Council's accounts are in credit, giving a net credit balance of £29,221. The accounts in debit are the improvement trust £280, and the general account £15,788. The debit balance carried forward on the general account last year was' £6007, which, with the credit : balance from the previous year of £3000, makes an excess of expenditure on last year*! 1 general account of £9000 for that year' As the account now stands with a debit of £15,700, we are again met with the. fact that we have exceeded.. our income on these particular items by another £9700 this year. This is to a large extent due to the) increased demand -for road formation and other matters. Take, for instance, the heavy expenditure for fire brigades alone, which this year totals £2487, as against £900 two years ago, before the present up-to-date system was adopted. The greater strain upon our expenditure over these two periods, however, was on streets, which, at March 31, 1901, totalled £17,992, whereas for the year just closed the expenditure amounted to £26,933. This increase is largely duo to the installation of the electric tramways, and the desire on the part of all councillors to improve the condition of the streets in their respective wards. With our main thoroughfares now in their present excellent condition, there is no doubt that considerably less expenditure will be required to keep them in a proper state of repair. In fact, the city engineer, in his estimate, has reduced the amount to bo expended upon streets by some £6900. Great care* however, will, all the same, have to be exercised in the management of the city finances during the ensuing year. In my report last year I pointed out that unless great care was exercised in this respect a higher rate would require to be struck, and I can only once again strongly emphasise that fact, but at the same time I believe that, with careful administration, the Council may keep within its income. There are matters for the new Council to consider which will be an extra strain upon the city revenue. For instance, there is the man's Bay reserve, which will require considonflsr6~T3xpcnditure to convert it into the recreation ground desired by the people, and an annual added cost for its upkeep. There is also the extra cost in the shape of the city's proportion towards the infectious dis-1 eases hospital, but the main item of in-* crease is undoubtedly in the maintenance and up-keep of the streets. Mr. Kidd then enTetfcd-in considerable detail into the question of drainage. In respect to the fire brigade, he said:—"The chief station was opened last August,., and is now thoroughly equipped. At Ponspnby a new branch station, with horse reel, and permanent men, has been opened this week, and it is proposed to add another substation close to Hie Railway .Wharf ,_ equipped in a similar manner. Another important matter in connection with our fire station is the installation of electric alarms. It is expected the whole system will be completed by the end of this month. It is, however, fair to anticipate that the heavy taxation upon the people for maintenance of the fire brigade will in the near future be equalised by a reduction in the premiums charged on fire insurance. Before leaving the subject I wish to bear testimony to the efficiency of Superintendent Woolley and the men under his charge " He also referred to the Library and Art Gallery and the waterworks, and concluded as follows: —In conclusion, I wish to tender my sincere thanks to the councillors who, during the past, have worked so harmoniously with me in all matters tending to the welfare of the city, to the town clerk, city engineer, and heads of all departments, as well as to the whole of the staff of employees, for the cheerful manner in which they have attended to theii duties. Before closing I desire to express my satisfaction at the renewed interest shown by citizens in municipal matters, as instanced in the late election. With the exception of a short interval I have sat in the Council since 1885. (luring which time many who have faithfully served the citizens have passed from public life. Yet, I feel sure that their places are filled by those in whom the public have confidence* as having the interests of the city at # heart, that their aim will still be to maintain Auckland in its proud position as the premier city of Now Zealand (Applause.) INSTALLATION OF THE NEW MAYOR, Proceeding to the installation Mr. Kidd said: " I have now much pleasure in installing my successor in the Mayoral chair, the Hon. E. Mitchelson—(applause)who has been elected by a large majority of his fellow-citizens to occupy a position of which ho should especially feci proud. It must be particularly gratifying to one who was born in the city to be elected to take the. position of Chief Magistrate. (Applause.) I need hardly say that I wish him health and happiness during his term of office, and to assure him that any assistance I can render will bo cordially given." (Applause.) FORMAL DECLARATION. The Hon. E. Mitchelson then made the customary declaration, after which Sir. Kidd removed from his own shoulders the robes and chain of office and put them upon his successor, at the same time vacating the chair. The present Mayor (the Hon. E. Mitchelson) then took the chair. A COMPLIMENTARY RESOLUTION. Mr. T. T. Masefield, as one of the oldest members of the Council, having been in office for the last eight or 10 years, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. A. Kidd for his great services as Mayor. He remarked that during his Mayoralty Mr. Kidd had had many onerous duties to discharge in connection with the waterworks, abattoirs, paving of the city, and other matters, and had devoted to each and all his deep and earnest attention. In no instance had h« shirked any duty devolving upon him. Morning, noon, and night he had been at work in the interests of the city, and the Council felt they owed him a deep debt of gratitude for the' manner in which he had upheld the honour and dignity of his office. Mr. C. J. Parr, in seconding, bore testimony to the wonderful amount of energy infused by Mr. Kidd into the Mayoral work of the city of Auckland. Ho thought that, without being in any way invidious, he could say that Mr. Kidd had infused more hard work into the Mayoral office than any of his predecessors. Mr. Mitchelson supported, and the resolution was cordially approved. SPEECH BY THE NEW MAYOR. Mr. Mitchelson then gave the following address: Ladies and Gentleman, Having been elected to the position of Mayor of the most important and beautiful city in the colony, and having had no previous experience in civic life, [ crave the indulgence of the Council until such time as I can gather up the intricate threads of the important duties appertaining to the office of Chief Magistrate of the city. 1 feel sure that during my term of oiiiua we eiwjil unite, and

work amicably together for the public good. There are times when little differences caunot be avoided; in such cases we must bear and forbear in our common interest for the welfare of the city. The pivot on which the administration of the city tTOnTtCbf course, finance. To obtain the best results from the expencTituro of the public funds must be our first care, and I feel sure that in this essential matter I shall have you* earnest support. Compared with many of you. my knowledge of the city finances is necessarily limited, and I do not therefore at the present moment propose to go into details, but on the broad ground of sound rconomical„ndininistration I anticipate with confidence ybiir" hearty co-operation. A careful i finance is the more necessary, as the rapid progress of the city compels our attention to" certain matters that will not brook delay, i and cannot be settled"' without -very "consider!, able expenditure. That necessary expendi- j ture, however, need not alarm us, for I am confident that in a wise policy of development wo shall have with us the thorough approval and support of the citizens generally. MATTERS INVITING ATTENTION. Amongst the larger matters that will receive our attention the first is water, a pure and'plentiful supply of which is~flie first condition of the. public health. The most that can bo said for our present supply is that it is only an auxiliary and temporary one. It is therefore necessary that we -sboukPat the earliest possible moment determine _ from whence we can secure, by gravitation if possible, a supply sufficient to fill the require* ments of a population at least twice as great. as that wo now have in the city and suburbs! | of Auckland, for there is no doubt the in-' crease in our population will be rapid and great, and at no distant period Auckland will be far and away the most important and the largest city in the colony. I have no : doubt the Council has in its possession full information on all the probable sources of supply, such as will enable us to arrive at a sensible decision. If not, the sooner we obtain a competent report the better it will be for our city. This and the question of drainage require the very best expert ad-■nF!ce~-obTarnable. Secondly, but not less Important, is the great and intricate question of drainage. With a pure and plentiful supply of water and an up-to-date system for the] disposal of sewage, we should, with our splen-; did climate, have the most healthy city in! the colony. > SANITABT IMPROVEMENTS. This great and urgent question I commend to the early and earnest consideration of the Council. The Harbpur__lk)ard has expressed its intention of preventing the further..poUution of the harbour by drainage from the city. It is, however, absurd to suppose that immediate effect could be given to such notice. Ample time must be given the Council to obtain the best possible advice, as to the best and most efficient means to adopt for the thorough and complete drainage of the city, and time must also be given to carry out the work. Possibly a very large sum of money may be required if our sewage is to be properly dealt with. The question is far too important to be hurried', and when undertaken the work 1 must bo efficiently carried out. If is possible that Mr. Hamer, the Harbour Board's i engineer, who is coming wit' - " great repui tation, may help us to solve the difficulty. Meanwhile the Harbour Board must hold/ i its hand, for it is itself a party to the present} pollution of the harbour (if there is pollution),! the Board having a joint interest with the' city in two sewers that now drain into the harbour. 'Thirdly, there is the question of lijjiut— I understand that a comprehensive report on this subject is now in the possession of the Council. In my opinion this is also a question that will require careful con- | sideration, and I commend such to your i care, feeling assured that any decision you may arrive at will be well and carefully thought out. Fourthly, there is the important question of~our parks and Domain. Next in importance to pure~"water and good drainage, pure air_js most essential. It is 1 true that in the Albert Park, although small, we have one of the beauty spots of Auckland. The Domain and Western Park are essentially people's parks, and deserve much more attention and consideration than is given to them. Both these parks have been somewhat neglected, the Domain more particularly. In "thisi park we"have naturally one of the most beautiful and picturesque spots it is possible to imagine, and the way in which it has been neglected is not creditable. THE PEOPLE'S PARKS. In any other part of the colony it would now have been a perfect paradise. One only needs to visit the Botanical Gardens of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to see the pleasure that is enjoyed by thousands of people, young and old, on every day in the week. Forty years ago and over, similar enjoyment could have been obtained in our own Domain Botanical Gardens, established by the late! Sir George Grey, while Governor of the) colon Well do I remember how beautiful! they were, and the enjoyment they gave to| the people. Shortly after the removal of the' seat of Government the gardengjyere neglected, and subsequently wore leasecfTEcPCliinTP men for the purpose of growing cabbages, when most of the beautiful trees and shrubs were destroyed. Much could be done to beautify our Domain and reinstate the gardens without much expense. The public of Auckland would, I am sure, gladly contribute trees and plants. The more attractive that we can make the surroundings of our city, the more encouragement will be given to people to settle amongst us and visitors to visit us, all helpingto make the city prosperous. As a step in this direction, I congratulate the Council in having secured the Victoria Park,for the public. There are mariy~"o'tber questions, such as engineering, formation and maintenance of streets, hospital and charitable aid and abattoirs, all of which will require your earnest attention. In conclusion, ] trust that now we have been sent here by the burgesses, to work out all the difficult and'ever rising problems that continually crop up, we will one and .all unite and put forth our best endeavours to do everything possible that will benefit our city and secure health and comfort for our citizens. A GOOD UNDERSTANDING. Mr. T. T. Masefield, on behalf of himself and colleagues, thanked Mr. Mitchelson for his admirable address, and promised to give whatever assistance was necessary for the proper carrying out of the business of the Council. Mr. Mitchelson expressed himself gratified by this statement, and said ho hoped when his tenure of office expired that he should enjoy as fully as did his predecessors the con- '■ fidence and esteem of both the members of ' the Council and the citizens of Auckland, j (Applause.) TOASTING THE MAYORS: PAST AND PRESENT. The pa'st and present Mayors, councillors, and many of the visitors then adjourned to ! the Mayor's room, where refreshments were partaken of and toasts drunk. His Worship the Mayor (the Hon. E. Mitchelson) occu- ! pied the chair. The health of the Mayor was heartily toasted on the proposition of Mr. A. Kidd, and suitably acknowledged. ILLUMINATED ADDRESS TO MR. KIDD, M.H.R. To Mr. McLeod, as the youngest member j of the Council previous to .he election, fell ; the pleasing duty of requesting the Mayor i to make the presentation to Mr. Kidd of an illuminated address, as a token of the appreciation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. The Mayor then presented Mr. Kidd with the testimonial mentioned, the following I being a copy of the text:—"To His Worship ! the Mayor (Alfred Kidd, Esq., M.H.R.). Wo, ! the undersigned, citizens of the city of Auck- j land, cannot allow you to retire from the i office of the Mayoralty without conveying to ' you our deep sense of the ability you have i displayed, both in the position of councillor I for many years, and in the more important position of our Chief Magistrate, and wo: must congratulate you on the very efficient way in which you have discharged your important duties. We pray that you and Mrs. j Kidd may be long spared to cherish the good wishes of the inhabitants of this city." The address was signed by Sir John Logan Campbell, Canon C. M. Nelson, the Right ! Rev. Bishop G. M. Lenihan, and 25 others, j including the members of the City Council. Mr. Kidd, in reply, said he had been associated with the City Council so long that j members bad become in his eyes almost like a family. Public life was often held up to ridicule by the foolish and unthinking,"but the work had to be done, and he thought the men who gave ungrudgingly and unselfishly of their time, with a view to better the surroundings of their fellow citizens, deserved the goodwill of the community. If this were withheld the better men would try to avoid tho criticism so unsparingly and, at times, so unfairly, bestowed upon them. After referring to the groat progress made by the city during recent years, Mr. Kidd concluded with a graceful compliment to Sir John Logan Campbell and those associated with him in the early days, of the city. The health of the outgoing Mayor having boon enthusiastically drunk, the toast of "The Officers of the Council" was given by Mr. Kidd, Mr. H. Wilson responding. The Mayor then proposed the health of Sir John Logan Campbell, The Father of Auckland," a toast which was accorded hearty cheers.

Sir John Logan Campbell feelingly replied. What he had done for Auckland, he said, had been the greatest pleasure of his life. His efforts were not going to .stop, as he hoped that in a very few months they would drive through Cornwall Park to the top of One-tree Hill.

The toast of " The Press" was given by Mr. J. T. Julian, and the proceedings terminated.

GREY LYNN. T The formal installation of Mr. J. W. Shackelford as Mayor of Grey Lynn was performed at the Borough Council Chambers last night by Mr. J. T. Warnock, the retiring Mayor. In addition to the members of the new Council, several ex-councillors and ratepayers were present. In the course of bis address. Mr. arnock thanked the retiring Council for their services in the past, and gave a brief account of his stewardship. He must congratulate the burgesses upon the fact that Grey Lynn was one of the healthiest boroughs in the colony. It had an efficient drainage system and good water supply. He mentioned the amount of water extension carried out to; date, stating that it was of such a nature as to have greatly minimised the risk from fires in the borough. During the past year 87 new houses had been erected in the borough, representing an increase in the population of about 455. Taking the last three years, since the census, new houses had been erected as follows:—1901, 84; 1902, 90; 1903, 27; representing a total increase in population of about 1305. Adding this total to the figures shown by the last census, the borough's present population was about 5415. A large amount of public works had been carried out during the year, part being rendered necessary in connection with the electric tramways. Residents of the Great North Road had had to wait a long time for the work there, but this was now almost completed, and would cost £4000. With reference to sanitation, he stateu that the pan system installation would be commenced on Monday next, and the contractor expected to have it completed in about three weeks. The increase in capital value for the borough for the year was about £28,000- Mr. Warnock concluded by welcoming the incoming Mayor, and said he had pleasure in installing Mr. Shackelford in the Mayoral chair. (Applause.) Mr. J. Farrell moved, " That the best thanks of this Council be accorded to tho retiring Mayor, Mr. J. T. Warnock, for the efficient way in which he had carried out his duties during the time he has occupied the chair as Mayor." Mr. J. Currie seconded the motion, and Mr. White, a member of the retiring Council, spoke in support. The resolution was carried unanimously, and Mr. Warnock briefly returned thanks. Tho incoming Mayor then took the chair and addressed the Council. In the course of his remarks he said that the borough had made remarkable progress, and was destined to carry a very large population. He hoped to see drainage matters vigorously carried out and completed. It was time that something was done as regards the internal roads of the borough, and prompt action would be proposed to deal with the matter. As to reserves, he would lik- the Council to ascertain if it were possible to obtain a reserve suitable for a recreation ground, where cricket and football could be played. The growth of the borough called for a readjustment of wards, as population and not land gave the governing power. He thought the most reasonable thing would be the abolition of the present ward system. Why should they have anything but the greatest sympathy one with another in each and every district of the borough? The Greater Auckland cry had been started and must be discussed by the borough. He tuought Grey Lynn and other boroughs should unite with Auckland and become part-owners in the various valuable city endowments. He hoped something would come out of the commission appointed to deal with charitable aid matters. In conclusion he anticipated that as the councillors and himself were elected to carry out the works of the borough they would have a pleasant time amongst themselves in furthering the best interests of the districts they represented. (Applause.) PAENELL. The ceremony of installing Mr. John Fitt as Mayor of the Borough of Parnell took place prior to the first meeting of the new Council last evening. Before vacating the chair, Mr. Eitt made a few remarks upon the finances of the borough and the work carried on during his past term of office as Mayor. He said that the finances when he took office were at a low ebb. The general account was in debit on May 14, 1902, £1630 12s 2d, with accounts owing amounting to £30 7s lid. The same account now stood at £1299 9s 6d, with accounts owing of £180, a total of £1479, whicr was not so large an amount of decrease, but still a saving. To carry on the improvements to the roads, caused by the advent of the electric cars, it was decided to alter the incidence of the rating by increasing the general rate from Is 3d to Is 5d in the £, and lowering the' special rates from Is to lOd in the £, thu3 adding £260 to the general account. By referring to the balance-sheet of March 31 last it would be seen that expenditure under the heading or streets and roads had amounted to within £123 of the previous year, and that there was an increase in the cost of lighting of £12, and an increased cost of £58 in refuse removal. The increased expenditure for charitable aid amounted to £228 more than iii the previous year, caused by judgment of £80 odd due and unpaid from the year before, and an increase in the levy made by the Board. The levy made in 1901 was 2 l-5d in the £on the valuation; in 1902 it was at the .ate of 22-3 d in the £, whilst this year it stood at the rate of 4d in the £, amounting to £524 ss. In addition to this large sum the borough was called upon to .ontribute £170 5s towards the erection ot an infectious diseases hospital, or a total or £694 10s. These contributions would absorb over 5s in the £ of the general rate on the present valuation. The amount at debit of the drainage extension account was now £220 15s Id, representing the amount expended on drainage extension in excess of the amount of loan. As there was still' a numbei of drainage works to be completed and requiring immediate attention, and as the Harbour Board would prohibit any further outfalls of crude sewage into the harbour, immediate steps required to be taken to intercept the drainagt from tfce Orphans' Home and Maori Girls' School by means of septic tanks, with or without filter tanks; the extension of sewer through Mclndoe's also required attention. The Council were to be congratulated upon the continued progress of the borough, and' there was a strong demand for houses by prospective tenants, and rents were generally higher. Tho borough valuation had increased by £1205, and now stood at £32,659. On tho motion of Mr. Basloy, who made a congratulatory speech, and was seconded by Mr. Retford, a vote of thanks to the Mayor for his services, was carried unanimously. Mr. R. S. Briggs then took the chair, and the Mayor duly took the oath of office, and returned thanks. DEVONPORT. The installation of Mr. E. W. Alison _is Mayor of the Borough of Devonport took place in the Council Chambers, Devonport, last night. There was a full attendance of the members. Mr. W. Handley was voted to the chair, and referred in flattering terms to the services rendered to the district by Mr._ Alison. The borough was fortunate in again having Mi. Alison as Mayor. They had occasional differences of opinion on matters brought forward in the Council, but they were discussed with the utmost good feeling. The Mayor having made the usual declaration was duly installed, and gave an address, covering the business of the borough during the past year. He regretted that the finances of the borough wore not in a flourishing condition, the overdraft on the general account at date being £2679, against £2063 at che same time last year. This was notwithstanding the great care exercised by the Council in administering the affairs of the borough, and only some of many necessary works have been carried out, and no meney had been misspent. The receipts from rates and other sources were quite inadequate to meet the absolutely necessary requirements of the borough, although the rates were as high as the Act enabled the Council to impose under the rating on the unimproved values system. Tho financial question had been carefully considered and reviewed by the outgoing Council, and the special committee appointed to inquire into matters drew up a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure for the year ending March 31, 1904, which showed a deficiency ofc£B4l. Included in this deficiency was the levy made by the Health Department for the infectious diseases hospital at Point Chevalier, and the extra levy of about 50 per cent, for hospital and charitable aid, amounting in all to "about £600. The roads throughout the borough were generally in good order, but there were several needing repair and metalling. The water supply was giving every satisfaction, but the consumption of water per head as abnormally high. The borough was to be congratulated upon having a most complete and efficient system of drainage, and with few exceptions all houses in the drainage area were connected. At tho conclusion of the Mayor's address Mr. Walker moved, "That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the Mayor for his able address, and that copies be printed and distributed to the ratepayers." Mr. Handley seconded, and the resolution was unanimously passed. At the invitation of the Mayor the members adjourned, when the toasts of "His Worship the Mayor" and " Tuo Borough Council" were duly proposed and responded to.

NEWMARKET. The installation of Mr. John McColl, as Mayor of Newmarket, was postponed yesterday until next meeting of the Council, as there was but one person present at the appointed hour.

ONEHUNGA. The installation of Mr. D. A. Sutherland as Mayor of Onehunga could not take place yesterday owing to that gentleman being on the jury at the Supremo Court in Auckland.

—=—Asa» • '■' BIRKENHEAD At the meeting of the Birkenhead P„.„ i Council to install Mi. J. H withS Mayor, Mr. Wallace was. voted to th*£ - M The chairman said it was the unanimni,, • V of the ratepayer., that Mr. wffffrf, 'ft be re-elected Mayo.;, they all lecogifc d substantial services no had rendered the A? tnct. and his last achievement in obtSnu" £100 towards the cycle track 13™* the first of the kind in the North iS Wa * . great help to. the district. Mr. Wi£^ after making the usual declaration exiWl his gratitude for their continued evident! confidence in unanimously re-electini V ° ! Good roads and footpaths- Were indupentJrtS!" to progress, and tne residents must have lit sonable access to their home; He *,""" eated bis lino of policy fo. the future im?nJ ing a joint wate. scheme with Xo'rtfc—T etc Mr Key* saul that the M^t" undouotedly given a groat impetus to it district and at great personal* trouble and expense had pushed the district ahead \i White said that Mr. Witheford's success * Mayoi was proof positive of his efforts for the progress of the borough " M Frith stated liis intention to support *' policy of advancement, as sketched out bv th« Mayor. Mr. Harris expressed the t% fication of the ratepayers lie represented that Mr. Witbeford had consented to accent +1 office of Mayor. After a brief rest*"* fioir the Mayor the meeting terminated ** THAMES. [BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPOVDEKf 1 Thames, Wednesday' The installation of Mr. Francis TrembatK as Mayor of .Thames for the fourth consecutive term took place at noon to-day. T n " response to the congratulations and' K00 4 wishes :>f the councillors, Mr. Trembath »aid the confidence the burgesses had placed" }» him by returning him unopposed for a fourth term of office showed that they approved of his actions. Some people outside, however who had a perfect right to criticise, said h-' and the councillors' administration had bee's faulty, but the verdict of the voters, wh» bad returned nearly the whole of the old councillors, showed that they thought other wise. He sincerely hoped that Hie lom> looked-for improvement in the condition of the district w?4 about to commence and that the improvement would continue! WAIHI. POLICY OF RETRENCHMENT [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN lOßKKs.eoNin'xT'i W.unr, Wednesday In the Miners' Union Hall to-day, Mr. W H. Phillips was installed as Mayoi Waihi' After the ceremony His Worship invited those present to partake of light refreshments. Mr Campbell proposed the toast of " His Worship the Mayor." which was drunk with musical honours. The Mayor said that ho had now entered upon Ids second term of office. H» was glad to say that the little differences that had existed amongst then had ended. He had tried to act in tho bast interests of the, community. The Council would have to formulate a scheme of retrenchment. At the Council meeting to-morrow night he hoped to bring forward a scheme that would meet present exigencies. The demand made by the Ohinemuri County Council had come as g surprise to himself as well as other councillors. At the same time he felt there need bo no alarm, and the employment of men and improvements to the place would lie carried on advantageously. His Worship then proposed the health of the retired councillors (Messrs. Donaldson, Dick, Arscott and Ross). The toast was heartily* drunk' with musical honours. Mr. Mo'oney responded.