MAYOR OF WINTON RESIGNS

Southland Times, Issue 24162, 26 June 1940, Page 8

MAYOR OF WINTON RESIGNS

REQUEST TO RECONSIDER DECISION The Mayor of Winton, Mr T. Walker, announced at Monday night’s meeting of the Borough Council that he regretted that he had found it necessary to resign his position. He thanked the councillors and the town clerk for their assistance and co-operation during his term of office. It was decided that a deputation of the council should wait on Mr Walker to express regret at his decision and to ask him to reconsider it, at the same time offering to relieve him of his duties for three months.

The Deputy-Mayox - (Cr N. Metzger) said that not only the councillors but also the citizens of the town would regret Mr Walker’s decision. Mr Walker had been Mayor of Winton fox - a total period of 15 years and had been largely responsible for many improvements and amenities in the borough during that time. Winton had been very fortunate in its past Mayors. The late Mr C. D. Moore had sex-ved fox - 14 years, the late Mr J. A. Broom fox - nine years, while Mx - Walker had occupied the mayoral chair for the longest term in the borough’s history. Mx - Walkex - was a man who looked well ahead and visualized Winton in the years to come, added Cr Metzger. He read well and for 19 years he had been president of the Athenaeum Committee. He was a lover of flowers and shrubs and a past president of the Winton Flower Show, and had done a great deal to beautify the town. In years to come Winton would be known far and wide for its beautiful Coronation Avenue.

“As Mayor of Winton, Mr Walker expected results from his councillors and it must be gratifying now for him to look round and see the many improvements carried out during his term of office,” he said. “For instance—our up-to-date Council Chambers with its rest room and Plunket rooms. Anzac Oval and the Railway reserve have been transformed into beauty spots, admired by visitors from all parts. Our roads have been tar-sealed; flowering shrubs and shelter belts have been planted in Centennial Park, where centennial gates will be erected shortly.” Mr Walker’s work for patriotic purposes during the last war was well known to all and it was gratifying to know that his services had been recognized. Cr Metzger added that he had been approached by quite a number of people in the last day or so asking if Mr Walker would not reconsider his decision. Cr T. N. Eastlake expressed his regret at Mr Walker’s resignation, remarking that the vast amount of time that Mr Walker had put into civic affairs was widely known. Cr F. Tilley added his tribute to Mr Walker’s services and said that the various duties entailed a great deal of attention. He would like to see Mr Walker till the end of his term at least, and an effort made to

relieve him of some of his work. Cr R. W. Goodall said that Mr Walker had been “a live wire” not only in the council but on many other committees. He was an excellent chairman with the right personality. Cr G. Walters also spoke appreciatively of Mr Walker’s efforts.