MAYOR OF WAIMATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CIV, Issue 15937, 13 April 1916, Page 8

MAYOR OF WAIMATE

* DISCUSSION ON HIS ABSENCE. When the letter from Major Francis, Mayor of Waiinate, expressing his desire that the Oounol should ag°.in consider the question of his resignation, in view of h'S inability to res-de in Waimai'.o at present <w iiig? to his military duties, was read at the Council meeting on Tuesday n-glifc, the Deputy-Mayor (Dr Hayes) expressed his willingness to continue to carry on as at present. That was of course, provided the Council ■did not think some other Councillor should act in the capacity of DeputyMayor. Cr. Evans was of opinion that the Council should carry on as at present, and grant the Mayor a further term of leave of absence. Cr. lukster ciid not think there had been any complaints from ratepayers at the action of the Council in granting the Mayor extended leave of absence. Cr. Pollock questioned if the ratepayers were satisfied with the present arrangement. \ Gr : . Jones: You mean that they are not satisfied that the Mayor is oi:t of town? Cr. Pollock: No they are not. Cr. Russell said he had heard people complain about the Mayor being out of town. Cr. Atwill considered that all parties should bury their differences and consjder those whq were do:ng their duty to the Dominion and Empire. When we had men willing to take their share as Major Francis was doing, we should do our best to assist them in their efforts to keep the old flag Hying. (Hear, hear.) Cr. Jones thought that if the Mayor was taking his ipart in the governing of the country, and had been called to his position by high authority, lie considered the Mayor was better placed there than acting as Mayor of Waimate. There was no doubt that having a. man of the description of the Mayor talcing such a responsible place was r, great credit to tho town. He considered the Conned should grarffc the Mayor leave of absence until the end of his term or until such t me as he returned to Waimatc. Cr. Collect considered that the work of the Mayor in his military capacity, and particularly bis work in connection with returned soldiers, reflected great credit on his worship. Ho was in favour of further leava of absence being granted. Cr. Inkster said that the fact that Mrs Francis was with the ratepayers should not be lost sight of. Mrs Francis was doing great work, in fact slio was doing the work of three, in connection with all patriotic aii'nr'rs. Cr. Manchester moved that the Mayor be granted further leave of absence until such time as he returns rb Waimatc. or until his terra of office expires. Council'or Collctt seconded, and the resolution wa.s carried.