MR. MACK AY TAKES OFFICE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20347, 6 May 1915, Page 2

MR. MACK AY TAKES OFFICE.

MORE LOAN PROPOSALS FORK- I .SHADOWED. '

At noon yesterday the installation uf the Mayor-elect, Mr. C. E. Mackay, took place at the Council Chambers. There was practically a full attendance of members of -the Borough Council, but few of the general public. i The retiring Mayor, Mr. T. B. Williams, said that the time had arrived for him to vacate office. He did so with a certain amount of regret, as he had in mind proposals which he would have liked to carry out. He believed, howover, that the new Mayor would take ui> ne running in the same way that ho would have done. The progress of Wanganui depended upon the men who occupied the positions of Mayor and Borongh Councillors. Personally he was proud of Wanganui, and anxious to see the town progress, where all his interests were. He looked forward to the new Council to do a great deal, and with continual improvement in methods it was reasonable to hope that the place would go "forward faster than it had done in the past. The completion of the harbour works would give a great impetus to things, and the Borough in particular would benefit. The new Mayor was fully conversant with the duties of the office, and he wished him good health and every success while he held the position. (Hear, hear. ) Cr. G. Spriggens congratulated the new Mayor on taking office. He said that the retiring Mayor had faithfully served the ratepayers, but as they had not seen fit to re-elect him he had to bow to the wishes of the people. The speaker added that the new Mayor would find tbat he had a very good working Council, who would do their best to assist- him during his term of office.

Cr. Harkness also extended his congratulations to the new Mayor. In returning thanks, Mr. Mackay said

that he had great pleasure in taking the chair again, as many of the Councillors had previously served under him. He hoped that they would all work together, and although they might differ on points of policy, there was no reason why harmonious feeling should not mark their two years' term of offico. ' Mr. Maekay said that he had kept in close touch with borough taffairs, and he was satisfied that the work had been carefully carried out [and supervised. This was a credit to the retiring Mayor and the Council. At the present time ho would not lay down a general programme, but part of their duty would be to carry out the wishes of the ratepayers in regard to the recently carried loan for more electrical power. Probably it would be necessary to bring down fresh loan proposals, one necessary work being the protection of the river bank. He would remind the people, however, thnt there were strenuous*, times ahead, and people would have to realise thc;r duty. ! Proceeding, Mr. Mackay paid a trinute to the work of Mr. and Mrs. Williams in connection with the natrio-fcic funds. He had asked Mr. Williams to continue to act as chairman of the general committee set- up to deal with war funds. Tn conclusion he thanked the Councillors for their attendance. (Ajrplause.)