MAYORAL INSTALLATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20867, 8 May 1931, Page 13

MAYORAL INSTALLATION

AUCKLAND CEREMONY. POSSIBILITIES OF OCCASION. FIXTURE FOR WEDNESDAY. There will be an opportunity next Wednesday to revive the picturesque ceremony attending the installation of a new Mayor of Auckland and the members of the council elected to assist him in the government of the city. The retiring Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, has occupied the position for three terms, so that it is six years since the departing Mavor was able to welcome and instal his successor with the ceremony appropriate to such occasions. 'lhe last ceremony of the kind was on the retirement of Sir James Gunson and the accession of Mr. Baildon. The installation of the now Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, and the swearing-in of the new councillors will take place at the Town Hall at noon on May 13. There is a certain legal formality to be observed, as neither the Mayor nor the councillors can take over the reins of government until they have made the prescribed declaration. However, in addition, the ceremony can be surrounded with an atmosphere of dignity which would be in keeping with the commencement of the term of office of a new chief magistrate. Syc years ago when the mayoral installation was held, there was a large gathering of representative citizens in the Council Chamber, who showed by their presence and in the speeches made that the occasion was one of importance to the city. Among those present were three ex-Mayors.

At noon the retiring Mayor entered, wearing his robes and insignia, and accompanied by the Mayoress and the new Mayor and Mayoress. Sir James Gunson made an impressive address and stepping down from the mayoral chair invested hla successor with the insignia of office. The new Mayor took the oath of office and was escorted to the chair by hifl predecessor. This was followed by each of the new councillors in turn making his declaration. It is suggested that this ceremony could well be repeated on Wednesday and that in addition to the ex-Mayors who may be present, invitations might be extended to Judges of the Supreme Court, magistrates, leaders of the Bar and others to be present. - y PROVINCIAL CENTRES. MAYORS AND MEMBERS. TWO HALF-HOLIDAYS CHANGED. Additional results of local body elections in Auckland provincial centres are as follow: Te Aroha.— Mayoralty: Mr. R. Coulter (elected unopposed). Council: H. G. Frith, 550; B. Hobson, 549; G. Hedge, 544; W. E. Smith, 542; V. G. R. Hamilton, 531; D. McMahon, 523; J. Walsh, 451; W. C. Kennedy, 442. Unsuccessful: H. J. Pease, 439; F. W. Firkin, 395. Messrs. Hobson and Walsh are the only new members. Opotiki.—Mayoralty: J. Thompson, 219; G. S. Moody (retiring Mayor), 166; T. Hitchens, 163; J. T. Tabb, 124. Council: F. J. Short, 520; T. Hitchens, 458; J. Main, 440; S. Shalfoon, 437; Dr. Budd, 420; J. T. Tabb, 393; J. J. Moody, 364. Unsuccessful: J. Carroll, 354; F. 326; E. Reece, 280. Bay of Plenty Power Board: W. T. Burrett, 332; J. T. Tabb, 329. Unsuccessful: J. Thompson, 292 j G. S. Moody, 257. Half holiday: Wednesday, 391; Saturday, 293. Saturday has previously been the half-holiday. Dargaville.—Mayoralty: F. A. Jones, 386; O. G. Bramwell, 274. Council: P. R. Walden, 530; B. Berry, 514; F. C. Gould, 475; J. A. McLean, 463; F. J. Hosking, 424; S. Berrige, 422; A. C. Ball, 421; H. Roseveare, 388; P. J. Sundberg, 382. Unsuccessful: W. A. Beattie, 368; F. Watters, 343; W. H. Cliffe, 327. Te Kuiti.—Waitomo Electric-Power Board. Te Kuiti representatives: W. S. Cato, 489; T. M. O'Connell, 449. Unsuccessful; J. Carroll, 256; A. Blackman, 162. The result of the voting to determine the statutory closing day in the borough of Te Kuiti was Saturday, 471; Thursday, 241; other days, 9. Thursday is the present half-holiday.