MUNICIPAL.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43114, 6 July 1907, Page 1

MUNICIPAL.

Yorkshire abstaining mayors.

(Continued from last issue) Halifax. Alderman B. D. Ward, who was re-elected Mayor of Halifax - said at the civic luncheon the was still a staunch teetotaler, v : ; and made no apology for again

| asking them to a teetotal luncheon. Instead of providing alco- yh - holic drink he would again give £25 each to the Infirmary and the Tradesmen’s Benevolent Institution, and £25 to the Citizens’ Guild of Help, 1 At the luncheon following his •: election a year ago, Alderman Ward gave to members of the Town Council, public represen- * tatives, and private friends, alcoholic beverages were tabooed . and in their stead ginger ale, : : soda water, and ginger beer i were provided. No banquet or dinner was promoted by him during the twelve months, even th> customary dinner to the poice being given the “go by,” ■nd he emphasised his dislike for such functions by acoeptiug b it few invitatious to gatherings of this character. He made a departure, too, in the usual Mayoral practice at Halifax of having neither a ball nor a gar- C den party. On the other hand, he introduced treats for th. 3 Workhouse and Union Hospital inmates, and provided pleasure for the aged poor, in addition to upholding the treats for the blind and poor chil Iren, which,for some years now, the Mayors , of Halifax have included in their “ round of events.” He has also been well in evi- -;vV deuce as host at “At Homes,” - as the patron of bazaars, aud . - the supporter of various religious .. and philanthropic movements. The public of the ancient ~ C borough, so far from criticising these exhibitions of independence, have generally applauded .y ~ them, and Ihe Mayor enters upon his second year of office amidst cordial congratulations. • . A previous Mayor (Mr R. Horsfall) put his teetotal principles .• into practice during his term of office.