ONEHUNGA'S MAYOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14016, 23 March 1909, Page 6

ONEHUNGA'S MAYOR.

MR. ROWE TO STAND AGAIN. At the meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council last evening several members of the Ccfuncil made reference to the work accomplished during the term now drawing to a close, and eulogised the Mayor, Mr. John Rowe, for his efforts to advance the best interests of the district. Mr. S. R. Skinner then read the following requisition to Mr. Rowe, which was signed by all the members of the Council, except Mr. G. Moody, who was away, and Mr. W. Morton, sen., who is ill: — *->-.

', " We, : the undersigned members of the present Council, herewith respectfully beg to approach you with a view to asking you to allow yourself to be nominated for a fourth year as Mayor. ; In view of the important undertakings which the present Council have in hand, such as the extension of the waterworks, proposed drainage scheme, library building, etc., of which you have a thorough grasp, we consider that it would be for the welfare of the town if you would consent to be renominated. We are aware that the position of Mayor takes up a considerable amount of your time and- energy, but we feel that the public spirit you have shown in the past. will again,; lend you to devote your services to the good of the town. Your many years' experience as a councillor, and three years as Mayor, make it a task of considerable difficulty to find a worthy successor to you at 'this present juncture. We have much pleasure in subscribing our names to this requisition, \ and hope you will see your way to accede to our request. If so, we promise to do our level best to secure your return in the event of the seat being contested." Mr. Howe, in reply, regretted that so many councillors were leaving at the end of the term. He realised that it was necessary for someone to work in the interest of Onehunga at a juncture when the big .waterworks scheme was nearing completion, besides drainage and other matters of importance to bo considered. He felt gratified at the expression of approval of his efforts, and was of opinion that he would not be acting in the best interest of Onehunga should he not accede to the requisition. It was his ambition always to place Onehunga in a better position than he had found it, and lie was pleased to state that never in the history of the borough had it been in a better position than now. The now waterworks 1-ad been carried, out successfully, and that night the, new reservoir and , mains had been connected, with a full-pressure test on. Over 2000 yds of metal spalls , were in hand, and all the debts were paid, besides which the Council deserved every credit for having placed the £1058 of the cemetery _ fund in a trust account, instead of expending it on works, as in the past Ho would have much pleasure in .gain placing his services at the command of' the burgesses. i (Applause.) • •