THE COUNTY CLERK.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 32, 4 October 1912, Page 2

THE COUNTY CLERK.

Mr. J. T. Stembriclge Appointed.

There was keen competitioner tho cloikship of the Franklin County Council, which appointment was decided at the monthly meeting of the Council held in Pukekohe yesterday. Fiftynine applications were received from all over the Dominion. These included a large number of highlyqualified men and one lady applicant was amongst the aspirants. Careful consideration was given to the matter, but from the first it was manifest that a big proportion of the members favoured the application of the acting County Clerk, Mr J T. Sterabridge. Since its formation Mr Stembridgo nas worked very enthusiastically and capably for the county, and the good service he had rendered stood him in good stead when the names went to the ballot, By a process of exclusion the names were reduced until at the final vote Mr Stembridge was given a clear majority and his appointment was confirmed by acclamation. Members of the council unanimously joined in extending their congratulations to the newly-appointed clerk. Mr Stembridge, who was the first returning officer and provisional clerk to the Franklin County, has had a long experience in this district, having been here for a quarter of a century. Upon arrival in New Zealand 25 years ago from the Old Country he took up his residence in Ilunua Ho was for eight years in charge of road works under tho Government on the section joining Tuakau and I'epepe and all the bridges except one between those places were made under his supervision. After this period he confined his attention more particularly to business. For 17 years and up to some four years ago, he was clerk to the Opahekc Road Board! Twenty-three years ago he was chairman of tho Ilunua Road Board, of which body lie was a member, on and off. for '2\ years. Mr Ste abridge is also known as a Justice of the Peace, postmaster at Ilunua, chairman on the School Committee, and chairman of the Pouga Church Trustees, lie represented Ilunua and Opahoko on the Mauukau County Conference for eighteen .years and served for several terms as chairman and secretary of that body. The culmination of his labours is liis appointment as executive officer to the county, in which position v\e have every reason to believe he will exercise energetic and conscientious skill Wo think the Council has acted wisely in appointing Mr Stembridge, since he is a man of proved capacity and has such an intimate acquaintance with the public affairs of the county.