MAYOR'S ENLISTMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24205, 25 January 1940, Page 10

MAYOR'S ENLISTMENT

MR J. R. HANAN CONGRATULATED GRANTED LEAVE OF ABSENCE DEPUTY TO FILL OFFICE Congratulations on his enlistment with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force were extended to the Mayor (Mr J. R. Hanan) at a meeting of the Invercargill City Council (states the Southland Times) and best wishes were extended for his early and safe return to the council table. More than one speaker expressed regret that he had considered it necessary to offer his services with the military forces. The Mayor attended the meeting in uniform w'th a sergeant's strip- as he was on special leave from the annual territorial camp of the Southland Regiment. Leave of absence for the term of his active service was granted Mr Hanan, and the Deputy Mayor (Cr J. R. Martin) was appointed to undertake Lie duties of Mayor. Cr Martin congratulated Mr Hanan oa his action in enlisting. He said it was a matter for each man to decide whether he enlisted. He hoped that the Mayor would not have to leave N3w I"" 1 ---* or if he did, that it would not be for long, and that he would return safely to the city and his public duties. Reference to Conscription " We know that for many months yon have been far from happy about defence matters, and like the members of this council would have preferred some measure of compulsory service," said Cr E. J. McLaughlan. " The com-i-unity appreciates the excellent service you have given it as Mayor, and appreciates also the spirit that has led you to your present decision." Although many were of the opinion that the Mayor could better have served the Empire by retaining his position, they must accept his decision and congratulate him on his fortitude. It was .fitting that he should not vacate office, and in view of her excellent, though brief, services it was fitting that Mrs Hanan should retain the position of Mayoress. Admiration of the Mayor's action was expressed by Cr A. Scott, who said that Mr Hanan had been faced with a very important decision. He believed he had done the right thing because the nation was fighting for freedom and liberty, and everyone should do his part. Cr L. A. Blackmore said he greatly appreciated the Mayor's action and the spirit in which he had entered into the ranks of the Gore camp. An Inspiring Example "Yours is an inspiring example to the manhood of the city," said Cr A. W. Jones. Knowing the Mayors family and his two brothers, who had lost their lives in the last war, he was not surprised at Mr Hanan's action. He hoped Mr Hanan's example would result in conscription being adopted, through the realisation of the people that sacrifices must be made. He would lik« to see the council urge on the authorities that they must introduce conscription as the only fair method. Crs A. Wachner, R. T. Parsons, F. A. Webb, G. A Broughton, J. Pickard and A. Dix also extended their congratulations. . "I have very little to say," said the Mayor in reply, after the motion had been carried. " I deeply and sincerely appreciate the kindly remarks made. I am not in a position to say if this will be my last council meeting, but I shall have an opportunity of meeting you again even if I do not attend another meeting."