COUNTY COUNCIL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 81, 28 November 1912, Page 7

COUNTY COUNCIL.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of t.he Stratford County Council took plage on Wednesday, when there were present—Ors W. Hathaway, Rogers, E. Walter, Marfell, J. Thomas, J. Oiiristoffol, Anderson, and Smith. The Clerk (Mr C. Penn) took the chair, and called for nominations for the position of chairman.

Cr. Smith moved that Cr. Hathaway be re-elected chairman for the ensuing term, and in doing so, he remarked: “l feel sure that no member of the Council can deny that during his occupancy of the chair Cr Hathaway has carried out his duties with conspicuous ability, fairness, and impartiality to all concerned. Naturally we have not agreed on every question submitted to the Council, but whenever we have differed in our opinions they have been discussed fairly and temperately, and there has been an entire absence of personal ill-feeling. The year’s operation has no doubt been a very heavy one, in the purchase of the necessary adjuncts for carrying on the work of the Council economically and with efficiency, and likewise for the more lasting properties of our roads. I believe in that respect 1912 will mark an epoch in the history of the Stratford County. Our duties arc important and responsible ones, entrusted to us by our fellow-settlers m the maintenance and upkeep of approximate 239 miles of roads. In conclusion, I desire to thank all my fellow members for the uniform .kindness, courtesy, and consideration which I have received from them, and 1 trust that working in harmony together on behalf of the ratepayers during the coming year in the exercise of those responsible and important duties entrusted to us, the same good spirit will mark all our intercourse in the future as in the past, remembering that as we all seek after the same end, i.e., the greatest good for the greatest number, we ought not if we be sincere to differ on the special means by which that good is to be obtained.”

Cr Thomas, in seconding the mo-, tion, stated that he had great confidence in the chairman, and he was sure he has done his best to each and everyone. They crossed swords at times, nevertheless, they, as councillors, were there to do their honest best with regard to the duties placed on them. Great responsibility had been placed oil. their late chairman, and as years pass on great responsibility would have to be met with respect to loans coming on, and great difficulty would be experienced in getting them. Legislation was too shifting: it should he more permanent and should cover the whole district. This, he said, was a serious matter. He was sure that Cr. Hathaway had done his best as chairman, and had done it will. Cr Marfcll endorsed the pervious speakers’ remarks, and warmly supported the motion., Cr. Walter, in supporting the motion, said that Cr. Hathaway had made a good chairman, and things had gone on well and smoothly. No man was a perfect chairman, hut he was sure that Mr Hathaway had carried out his duties to the best of his ability. At times he had to exercise a lot of patience—especially with one or two of them. He had' much pleasure in supporting the motion. Or. Rogers also spoke in support of the motion, and said that he had known Mr Hathaway for many years, and always found him to bo very energetic, and that he always treated everybody, as well as possible. ( Cr. Young also spoke in praiseworthy terms, and said lie was sure that Miy;rHatbaway bad, always dppo bis best' for all concerned. Cr. Hathaway was a capable chairman, and he would support the resolution. Cr. Anderson said although lie came as a stranger he had always found Mr Hathaway fair in 'every point he dealt with.

Cr. Christoffel said that he approved of Mr Hathaway’s nomination, ■ and he hoped that he' wopld be re-elected unanimously. The motion, on being put, was carried unanimously. Cr. Hathaway then took the chair, and thanked the councillors very much for their kind expressions, and confidence vshown in him. “When I took the chair twelve months ago,’’ he said, “their was a vast lot of business to he done, and I have dorie my best in giving fair play to every man. No one-was more aware of his own shortcomings in the conduct of a meeting than himself.” Under the existing circumstances with the Governments attitude as regards loans • to local bodies, it was a very uphill fight, and the Council was merely living on its credit. The Council had to face a his responsibility, but be hoped they would alb puli together and not allow things to go hack. He again heartily thanked; his fellow-councillors' for the confidence shown in him. The Council then went into Committee to deal with certain business, and the Council adjourned.