LYTTELTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3951, 16 December 1880, Page 3

LYTTELTON.

Tbe Council mot at noon yesterday ; present—Councillors Smith, Weyburn, Grubb, Hawkins, Macdonald, when the installation of the Mayor-elect took place. Councillor Webb wrote regretting that he was unable to be .present, having had to leave for Wellington.

His Worship thanked the members of the Council for the assistance they had given him in carrying out the duties of his office during the past year, and not only the members of the Council, but those of the Council's staff. He considered that the ratepayers might bo proud of the Council as at present composed, in spite of tho aspersions that were thrown on them at the late meeting by ono of their number, who was absent. A very large amount of money had been expended out of tho income of the Borough in necessary works; in fact, no less than £6400 had been expended in distributing water throughout the Borough during the past four yearß. Ho waß getting statistics from other boroughs and citieß as to expenditure and receipts, and he had no doubt that it would be found that the Borough of Lyttelton was as economically worked as any other. Again thanking all for the courtesy and attention shown him, His Worship signed the usual declaration and took his seat as Mayor for the ensuing year, and the formal business closed.

Some ohampagne was then put on the table, when the Mayor proposed the toast of the " Officorß of the Borough, coupled with tho name of Mr Nalder, the Borough Solicitor," who replied. Councillor Grubb then proposed the toast of " The Mayor," who responded accordingly. Councillor Hawkins said he knew that it was with much regret that Mr Allwright came forward as Mayor, but that it was the great interest he felt in the welfare of the Borough which induced him to contest the election with one who was quite inexperienced in municipal matters. Ho considered that the thanks of the ratepayers were duo to Mr Allwright in again coming forward. With regard to the Mayor's reference to the assistance given him by the Council, he was of opinion that the greater part of the work of the town had fallen on the Mayor and members of the Works Committee. True it was that the Council deliberated on general questions, but on the Mayor and Works Committee depended the details of. the work being carried out. The position hold by the Lyttelton Borough Council in comparison with other munisipalities was, he considered, due to the very harmonious manner in whioh the Mayor and Works Committee work, and they certainly had spent no money but what was laid out to advantage. If such good terms could be maintained, the Borough might carry on until tho leases fell in without being compelled to borrow. He was very Borry that Councillor Webb was not present, as he had been waiting for an occasion to express his opinion of the Mayor to Councillor Webb, which he thought was the opinion of the whole Council. Had Councillor Webb been elected to the offico of Mayor, he (Councillor Hawkins) would have resigned his seat, and such, he understood, was the feeling of many others of the Council. The Council should be very pleased that Mr Allwright was again returned, and should do everything thoy could to assist and support him.

Mr alder then proposed the toast—" The Mayoress, Mrs All« right," and referred to the great deal of good done by her in relieving want and looking after those who actually needed help.

Mr Allwright responded, and the meeting terminated.