NEW CHIEF CITIZEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 112, 14 May 1931, Page 6

NEW CHIEF CITIZEN

MR. ARMSTRONG AS MAYOR INSTALLATION CEREMONY. JIB. BOGEBS WITHOUT KEGBETS. There was a large attendance of the public present at the City Council Chambers at noon yesterday when the newly-elected Alayor of Wanganui. Air. N. G. Armstrong, took the legal declaration prescribed and was thereby offici ally installed in office. The installation ceremony was conducted by the retiring Mayor, Mr. W. J. Rogers. “By a majority vote of the citizens who went to the poll last Wednesday it has been decreed that Air. Armstrong is to be Alayor of this city for the on suing term of two years.’’ said Mr. Rogers. “For my part I accept that, decision cheerfully and 1 extend to you, Mr. Armstrong, my sincerest congratulations. I know that you w’ill bring

your very best ability to bear and will give your best services to your fellow citizens. I learnt early in life that knocks had to bi taken, and perhaps knocks given. 1 accept this decision cheerfully and L leave this high office to-day without any bitterness in my heart, towards anyone.” (Sustained applause). Continuing. Atr. Rogers said that ho felt sure the newly-elected councillors would co-operate with the Mayor. There was no sadness of farewell so far as he was concerned and though, for the time being the people had chosen another Alayor, he (Air. Rogers) intended to carry on serving his fellow citizens to the best of his ability. He was reminded of Kipling, who had written that men could walk with kings, but still keep the common touch. Mr. Rogers felt that he had succeeded in keeping the common touch and would find a place on tho waterfront among the men he had laboured with for so many years.

Mr. Armstrong was thereupon asked, to take the formal declaration, which he did, appending his signature to the covering document, and the old had given place to the new. Mr Rogers’ tarewell was the expressed hope tJiat the term of the new Mayor and council would be highly successful and that it would see a measure of prosperity return to Wanganui. “1 would like to compliment Air. Rogers on two matters,” Air. Armstrong said in reply. “In the first place on the clean way in which he himself conducted the contest and secondly, and especially, on the way in which ho has accepted the decision of the electors. (Applause.) It is no easy matter after four years of office to accept such a decision, and Mr. Rogers has been as sturdy in defeat as he was in success.”

Air. Armstrong also paid tribute to the loyal support Air. Rogers had received from his wife during the past four years of office. Alention of Mrs., Rogers caused a further burst of applause from those present. Continuing, Mr. Armstrong congratulated the councillors on their success. Tho polling had been heavy, showing increased interest in municipal affairs displayed by the citizens. That threw added responsibilities on the Alayor and council. There were important matters ahead, and he looked upon the council as a team. In team work it was essential that each man should pull his weight. At the call of Air Rogers cheers were given for the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Airs Armstrong), and those present cheered Mr and Airs Rogers. The following councillors thereupon signed the necessary declaration which enabled them to take office: Crs. G. I. Jones, J. Robertson, E. O’Meara, L. Pleasants. F. J. Hill. J. Siddells, W. Al. Luxford. H. G. Horsley, A. E. Halligan, F. Symes. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Crs. Dickie and J. Crowley. The Alayor intimated that the ordinary meeting of the council called for last Tuesday night had been adjourned by the Town Clerk, in accord with standing orders, and would be held tomorrow night. He intended asking that the personnel of committees be approved then, so that work on the estimates could proceed without delay.