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Otago Witness, Issue 3818, 17 May 1927, Page 48

The proposal that Auckland should have a Lord Mayor was mentioned to the exMayor of Wellington (Mr C. J. B. Norwood), who expressed the opinion that the time was not yet ripe for the appointment of lord mayors in New Zealand, although if the title would be regarded as a greater honour, and gave greater dignity to the position, he thought such a change would do good (reports the Dominion). It would be a recognition by the citizens of the responsibilities which rested upon the shoulders of the chief citizen, and would show a spirit of civio pride. The election of a Lord Mayor involved the appointment of aidermen, a system which might not meet with approval in such a democratic country as New Zealand. Such a system would enable honour to be conferred on men who had served the city faithfully and well for a period of years, men whose services as advisors would be invaluable to the city, while new blood would be infused from time to time at the election of councillors.

Heavy frosts in Central Otago have caused a drop of 2ft in the level of the Kawarau River, which is now about Ift higher than it was when the gates of the dam were closed last year. Though it is practically certain that the dam will not be used this year until the level of the river is considerably lower than was the case when the gates were operated for the first time, claimholders are already looking forward to a definite announcement of the date -of closing. The Kawarau Company does not expect to be able to give any precise information, however, for a fortnight. This period may be exceeded, for settled weather must be awaited. ’The Minister of Mines recently refused to allow the company to operate claims above and below the junction of the Clutha and Molyneux Rivers, with the result that it was forced to withdraw its applications. On the granting of these applications really depended the company’s proposal to dam Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, and in consequence of the Minister’s refusal the applications for dam sites at the lakes were withdrawn at the monthly sitting of the Warden’s Court on Wednesday. It is understood that a meeting was held in Wellington last week of persons interested in the formation of the proposed new political party. There was a fair attendance, and, after a long discussion, the meeting adjourned until a date to be fixed next month, when accredited delegates from various districts will probably be present with a view to crystallising the proposal. Why spend £400,000 on an Agricultural College in Palmerston North when it can be done for £50,000 in Feilding?” inquired one member of the audience at the Hon. W. D. Stewart’s meeting at Feilding last week. “Perhaps the best way would be to spend the money on Lincoln College,” replied the Minister of Finance, with a twinkle in his eye and looking hard at Mr J. A. Nash, M.P. “That would settle all the dispute that apparently exists in the North Island.”

It is announced in the Gazette that the Tariff Revision Commission will not hear further evidence after May 31.