MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13893, 3 May 1907, Page 2

MAYORAL INSTALLATION.

MAORI HILL. Tho installation of the reelected Mayor of Maori Hill (Mr S, N. Brown) took place in the Council Chambers last evening, whoii thero was also present tho now council, constituted us follows:—Crs P. Pilkington, T. Gibson, N. A. Booth, J. L. Paasmoro, W. H. Harbour. V. Neilson, I'. Duncan, E. S. Clarke, and S. Maxwell. Tho .Mayor, when tho councillors had siped tho customary declaration, said that while ho . regretted that several familiar faces were missing, ho extended a hearty wclcomo to tho new councillors, and nil tho raoro so bocauso it was a desirable thing to havo an infusion of new blood from time to timo. Ho trusted that during tho term upon which, were entering tho deliberations of the council would bo conducted on tho same harmonious lines as during tho past year, There had liccn no obnoxious opposition during his term as Mayor, and ho trusted that in tho futuro difference.! of opinion would bo expressed in the earno terms ae hithorto, and that tho councillors would do thoir duty towards tho ratepayers and themselves. Reviewing tho work of tho past yoar, tho Mayor said tho receipts from nil souroes for tho year had boon £1603 8s lid, whilo the cxpondt. two was £1743 7s 7d, leaving a, debit bal. anco of £155 18s Bd, of which £75 was taken over from tho previous year. Included In the oxpemlituro to £120 for work on Driver street, ono-half of which was re. payable by property-owners. Tlio stato of tho finances, thorcfore, indicated that tho business of the council had been carried out with duo economy, and at tho samo timo every effort had been made to do tho greatest amount of public service with tho somewhat limited funds at thoir disposal. No Government moneys had been received during tho year, and consequently the council was restricted. from carrying out, a number of much-needed improvements in Leilh Valley. Amongst the most important works undertaken might bo enumerated tho korbing, channelling, and asphalting of Drivor street. Bro'nt street hud been widened, extended, and formed, and opera, tions wero proceeding in respect of a decided improvement in C'annington street. The Mayor pointed out that while many other works of importance had been carried out, due attention had been given to minor works' and the up-kcep of streets. That tho borough was making marked pro- i gross was manifest from the largo number of now dwellings erected of late years, and there was ovcry indication that building would contiimo steadily, and that tho hill portion of the borough was coming into favour as a residential area. Street plates and house numbers had been affixed in South and East Wards, and this portion had also teen constituted a fire district, and, a volunteer fire brigade having been formed, in the course of a short time a well-equipped body would actively exist for protection of property from fire. Thcso wards had also been reticulated for the supply of water, which, thanks to tho prompt action of a previous council, had been secured on favourable terms. Tho speaker also referred to the boon conferred on tho borough by tho erection of a school during tho year, which certainly had amply justified its existence, and everything pointed to a still further extension of the building. The cutting np of. tho Balmacewen Bstato into 90 allotments had been a f.reat' advantage, and already some dozen residences had been erected. Altogether a strong forward movement had been witnessed, and he felt sure that tho new council would do its utmost to further the growing prosperity of tho district. With regard to prospective improvements, the necessity for more lighting was making itself felt, and negotiations had been opened with the City Council to this end. | The acceptance of an offer from the clec- | trieal department would depend on the i charges. Tho widenirr; of High street was i necessary for tho continued prosperity, and he considered that the present was Ihe timo to do it. With few exceptions the landowners on thn side of the street affected had expressed themselves as willing to meet the council fairly. Before concluding : the Mayor again thanked the last council, | and paid a tribute to the splendid work ■' done in the past by the town clerk (Mr C. ! Grater).—(Applause.) ] Cr Passmore eaid that for some timo past the erection of what he might call a merit board, on which to inscribe tho ■ names of ex-Mayors, had linen thought of, and he was glad to say that he was in a position to make such a gift to the j borough.—(Applause.) The board, which is a handsome piece of work, boars tho following names: — 1876, George Mitchell; 1876-9, Robert Church: 1880-2, George Mitchell; 1883-5, Daniel Brent; 1886, George .Mitchell; 1887- , 90, Daniel Brent; 1891-2. A. Herdman; 1893, P. Pilkinsrton; 1891-6, W. Aiiken; 1697-8, John Pollock; 1899-1000, Wm. Robertson; 1901-2. John Bollock; 1902-1, ! George Butler: 1901-6, .1. L. Fassmore; I 1906-8, 8. X. Brown. | Cr Pilkington, who took the chair temporarily, mentioned that one name had Iwcn omitted from the list—that of Mr John Campbell, who, although not elected, was appointed by the superintendent of tho I province in 1876. | On resuming the chair, the Mayor was congratulated by the councillors, some of whom delivered somewhat lengthy dissertations on road-making, etc., and foreshadowed thoir intentions in respect of ! municipal mutters generally. The Mayor briefly returned thanks. The following committees were appointed tor the ensuing term: — Finance.—The Mayor (chairman), Crs Passmore, Duncan. Clarke, and Harbour. Works.—The Mayor (chairman), Crs Pil- ; kington, Gibson, Maxwell, Xcilson, and Booth. Kavkorai drainage representatives, tho Mayor and Cr Duncan. Subsequently those who were fortunate c>iioii,t;li to he present niol round the council table and participated in the refreshments with which tho town clerk's tabic was loaded. A pleasant evening was spent, by . all, ami the toast list included that o f j the Mayor, councillors, and ex-councillors.