MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18322, 7 May 1931, Page 7

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

NEW MAYOR FOR HAMILTON.

MR FOW DEFEATED AFTER THIRTEEN YEARS. MATERIAL CHANGES IN COUNCIL. KEEN INTEREST IN POLL. Material changes In the municipal administrative body have been brought about by yesterday’s election for Mayor and 12 councillors for the Hamilton Borough. As a result the town .will have a new Mayor and five new councillors. Changes were expected and speculation was rife, but the result of the poll, with such a large list of candidates, was very problematical. The change in the Mayoralty sees the passing from local politics, temporarily at any rate, of a man who has given longer and greater service to the borough than any other citizen. The cry for a change in local as in general politics comes in cycles, and the result therefore was not unexpected. The personnel of the new council is one with which the ratepayers should feel satisfied.

CHANGES ON THE COUNCIL

' f INFLUENCES AFFECTING POLL.

MR FOW’B FAREWELL.

MR H. D. CARO'S RECORD FIGURES

Reoord voting marked the municipal poll at Hamilton yesterday. Of 7946 on the roll no less than 4315 recorded their votes. This is a considerable advanoo on the percentage of voters at the last election when only 3424 out of 7784 went to the poll. The reason for the Increase may he ascribed to three causes—keener interest in the Mayoralty election, the very large Held for seats on the council and greater organisation on the part of various candidates. The Anglesea Street cutting undertaking 'had, one would imagine an important influence on the poll. From the time the'booths opened

until they closed at seven o’clock, there was a steady stream of electors, moving In and out, and fleets of cars were busy rushing about the whole day through. Chief interest, of course, centred In‘ the Mayoral contest for which there were two nominees, Mr J. B. Fow, the sitting Mayor, who had held office for 13 years, and' Dr. F. D. Pinfold, who unsuccessfully contested the position at the last election when the fight was a three cornered one, and when he \vas defeated toy only 82 voles. The heaviest polling was at the Drill Hall with Franklon second on the list. At the Drill Hall the two candidates ran very closely, a margin of one vote only separating them. Frankton decided the issue, however, when, it gave Dr. Pinfold a majority of 321. With a list of 30 candidates for 12 scats on the council the public wa3 prepared for any result. And indeed anything might have happened hi view of the large number of new aspirants and the constantly changing population. To the newer people of the town the names of many of the older residents who have given long and faithful service are unknown. One would hardly have fell surprised had an entirely new council been elected. As it is five new men were returned, Messrs. Caro. Hammond, Nishel, Curtels and Dillicar, three councillors who have rendered excellent service Messrs F. W. Luxford, B. 11. Andrews and Id. id. Wilson, being defeated. Messrs .1. E. Tidd and H. Goldie, members of Hie former council did not enler the lists. Mr 11. 1>- Garo, polled very heavily, his figures constituting a record for any councillor in the town’s history.

By its votes Hie public voice was plainly against the principle of w>men entering local polities, Mrs .tones, the only lady candidate, receiving only 061 votes out of a total of over 4000

CANDIDATES’ ADDRESSES,

DB. PINFOLD'S TRIBUTE. Dr. Pinfold was greeted with cheers when he mounted the Times verandah to address "the immense crowd assembled below. His speech was brief and to the point. Last time he was before the electors, he said, he promised them that when he came before them again lie would' put up a hard light. The fight had been hard. He thanked the electors for the confidence they had shown in him. Times were constantly changing and things that were in fashion yesterday were out of fashion to-day. He expressed the hope the people of Hamilton would not forget the great services Mr Fow had given to the borough during past years. (Loud applause.) Cheers were then heartily given for the new Mayor. An ovation greeted Mr Fow when he stood before the microphone. He told the crowd that he appeared before them with no feelings of disquietude, hut rather with one of thankfulness that he had had the support of the people of Hamilton over such a long period of years. It was not easy from year to year for one in a public position such as that of Mayor, to proced without infringing on somebody's feelings and rights. He had the satisfaction of knowing that the great mass of the people of Hamilton who had voted for him and those who had voted against him would combine in the feeling that he had not been self-seeking at any time. (Applause.) Nor had iie disgraced the borough on any occasion. (Applause.) Proceeding, Mr Fow said that the election so far as he was concerned was over. He congratulated Dr. Pinfold on ids success and upon his organisation. The speaker added that for 23 years he had sought to do the right tiling as it had occurred to him as a councillor and as Mayor. During that time changes come to Hamilton and a new generation had arisen. He was quite sure that the now .Mayor was just as loyal to Hamilton and as anxious for its prosperity as the speaker was. He was proud to think that in relinquishing office he did so willwuclcan record, Dial lie had friends iif~ho council and on I of it’ and that lie was not yet a spent force. (Applause.) He would rather as a Britisher go down fighting than retire slating that lie had never been be’i'en. (Applause.) He thanked all who had voted for him, and pail and present councillors for the loyal support they had always given him. As a business man he had always tried to do things in a busi- , ncsslJke way. He hoped that if ou

THE ELECTION STAFF.

any future occasion he could be of use to the people of Hamilton they would not hesitate to call on him, when he would again be pleased to take his place In that noble army of martyrs who worked for the public good year after year and who did not retire on superannuation. (Laughter and applause.) Cheers were then heartily given for Mr Fow, while a voice rose above the crowd with “ Good old Jack.”

INTO THE MICROPHONE. NEW COUNCILLORS APPEAR. CROWD IN GOOD HUMOUR. Cheers and good-humoured badinage greeted the newly-elected members of the Hamilton Borough Council when they stepped on the verandah to thank the electors after the results had been posted up. The first to appear at the microphone was Cr. H. D. Caro, who was accorded an ovation.

“ You have made me a very proud man to-night by returning me at the head of the poll,” he said, when the cheering had died down. He promised to do his utmost for the welfare of the town and thanked the electors for their warm support. (Applause.) Cr. A. J. Denz, who polled second highest, stated that the occasion was the sixth on which he had been returned to the Council and he was grateful to the ratepayers for their continued confidence in him. He had been a resident of Hamilton for many years and hoped to remain serving the borough many more years. (Applause). Cr. F. H. Clapham expressed -his gratitude on being returned and said it was pleasing to notice that the majority of the old council would be back. He congratulated Cr. Caro on the honour of topping the poll, which he richly deserved. (Applause). “I wish to thank those who voted for me,” said Cr. C. Lafferty, who was greeted with cries of “Good old Charlie” in several quarters. “To those who did not vote for me I can only say that by next election I hope they will be sufficiently impressed by my energy', honesty and sincerity of purpose to support me. You can depend on me doing my best for Hamilton." (Applause). Cr. W. Bourne briefly thanked his supporters. There were cries of “look out I” “stand back” when Cr. W. A. Curteis’ stentorian voice was heard. It was, he said, the first occasion on which he had contested an election and ho was appreciative of *the support he had received. He had come to Hamilton recently as a stranger but felt one no longer and hoped to give a good account of his stewardship In two years’ time. (Applause). “From what I can gather I was lucky to get in at all," said Cr. F. J. Farrell amid laughter. After thanking his supporters he congratulated Dr. Pinfold and thanked Mr Fow for his guidance and support in the past. “In Mr Fow Hamilton has lost a very fine gentleman,” he added. (Applause).

A burst of cheering interspersed with cries of “whoopee!” arose when Cr. \V. W. Dillicar came forward. “When I saw the nominations I divided them into dead certs., probables and wash-outs,” he said amid laughter. “I thought I would pass the wash-out mark but never anticipated being a certainty." He promised to do all he could to warrant the confidence of ratepayers. After the new councillors had been subjected to an ordeal of handshaking, the big gathering dispersed at about 11.30 p.m.

WATCHING THE NUMBERS. SCENES An street. NO WILD ENTHUSIASM. As could be expected from the exceptionally heavy polling a larger crowd than usual at municipal elec-tion-time assembled outside the Waikato Times Office last evening. Arrangements for the presentation of the latest returns to the publlo at the earliest possible moment were carried out without a hitch. The huge board containing all the names of Mayoral and council candidates could be seen from some distance down the street, brilliant floodlights causing the black lettering to stand out in bold relief.

Soon after 7.30 p.m. in spite of the coldness of the night a crowd began to collect on the footway opposite the Times Office and rapidly expanded until the whole width of Victoria Street was densely packed with people. Between 3000 and 4000 had gathered there 'by 8.30 p.m. and these were greatly augmented when the theatres emptied. It was not until the final results of the council election had appeared at 11.20 p.m., that the ranks showed signs of thinning. Although the Mayoral election this year was a straight-out contest and unusually keen, party feeling was not very evident among the crowd last night. In England and among loss phlegmatic peoples the announcement of the chief magistrate of a municipality for tlio next term is usually attended by scenes of wild enthusiasm. When the final result of the Mayoral election was made known there was isolated applause but a better response was evinced when Hie two candidates were seen on the balcony. Enough praise cannot be bestowed on the broadcasting arrangements which were a complete success in the hands of Hamilton Motors, Ltd. The voices of the Mayoral and later, of the council, candidates, came through with crystal clarity and were attentively listened to. While ihe public was awaiting results a first-class programme of music was enjoyed, all the selections being of a popular nature.

Most people anticipated that the results of the council election would come to hand soon after 9 p.m., two hours after the booths had closed, but they were sadly disappointed. At 10.30 p.m. the returns from only half the booths were to hand and sonic caustic comments at the tardiness of the scrutineers, compared with the performances of recent years, were voiced. However, the varied selection of music and song from the loudspeaker combined with the periodical posting of results in other centres, kept the onlookers in a good humour.

GOOD WORK DONE. Great praise is due to the Returning Officer, Mr W. L. Waddcl, and his slaff for the most efficient and prompt manner in which they dealt with (ho returns, as well as the whole conduct of the election. In no instance was any hitch experienced, everything working smoothly through the excellent. organisation and tlio efforts of those responsible,

NEW MAYOR SPEAKS MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE. TURN OF THE TIDE. A PROGRESSIVE POLICY.

In a message to the citizens of Hamilton given to a Waikato Times representative this morning, the new Mayor, Dr. F. D. Pinfold, states:—

“ At the commencement of a new council term, in spite of t'he obvious world depression, most authorities predict an early turning of the tide. 'I earnestly look forward to that turn in the tide which will bring prosperity back to our town and district. “ Keeping in mind the necessity for prudence, as opposed to mere frugality, I hope to assist in carving the destiny of this town in continuance of that progressive policy which has been carried on by so many former Mayors, including Mr J. R. Fow. I thank the electors one and all for their confidence in me and promise the citizens that without fear or favour all classes will receive of my best."

The new Mayor, Dr. Frank Dewsbury Pinfold, while not actually a native of Hamilton, has spent most of his 40 years’ existence in the town. A son of Rev. Dr. Pinfold, he was born in New Plymouth. Ho received his early education at the Hamilton West School, where he was the second boy in Hamilton to gain a scholarship. Ho later went to the Auckland Grammar School, from there to Christchurch Boys’ High School, and on to the Otago University. Subsequently he was on the staff of the Dunedin Hospital, where he was resident clinician and came from there to the Waikato Hospital, where he was In turn junior and senior house surgeon. With the outbreak of war he joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and served as a major with the Medical'Corps on the Western Front. On returning to New Zealand towards the end of 1918, he commenced the practice of his profession in Hamilton and has been here ever since. The doctor has travelled much and is cosmopolitan in his experience and outlook. Whilst pursuing his medical studies he put his hand to all sorts of jobs and was not afraid to discard his coat and turn to as a labourer. Ho worked as a pick and shovel man on railway works in Otago Central, took on shearing in large sheds and was head shepherd on two different sheep stations in the South. He also had two spells as a school teacher. It was his life in the open that gave him his present fondness for the outdoors and sport, and he is now known as one of Waikato’s keenest shots and fishermen. While in Hamilton he has associated himself closely with the social life of the town and holds and has held many important offices on various social bodies. At the moment he is president of the Hamilton Orphans’ Club, president of the Waikato Acclimatisation Society, vice-president of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society and president of the Auckland Swimming Centre. He was president for some years of the Hamilton Gun Club, was a member of the Whitiora School Committee, and at the present time is patron of numerous other bodies. Tho doctor has interested himself in many of the charitable movements of the district, and gave his active .support in the establishment of (he Oketc Children’s Camp and the children’s health camp at Pork Waikato. As a director of three important commercial institutions, he claims to have no mean knowledge of finance. llis education, experience and general outlook should stand to him in the important oilicc to which he lias been elected by the people.

MAYOR FOR 13 YEARS. MAN OF MANY PARTS. CONSPICUOUS SERVICE. Few public men in Hie Dominion have such a record of long and faithful service as Mr J. R. Fow, the retiring Mayor. A native of Louth, Lincolnshire, although he lias been in New Zealand for 56 years,.Mr Fow lias had a wide and varied career. 11c lived at Waimate South for some years, but Waikato can claim him among its earlier settlers. After leaving school the exMayor was successively a sawmiller, a farrier and blacksmith, a carriagemaker and finally an auctioneer. His first association with municipal government was in 1907, when he was elected a councillor of Hamilton, being returned at IU« top of the poll. Except for one j ear, he had until yesterday, sat continuously on the Council ever since. In 1916 he was elected Mayor and had been the town’s Chief Magistrate since then, except for one year after the influenza epidemic, when ho rested from office, and one year when the boroughs of Hamilton and Fran k lon ama 1 gamated.

Town's Remarkable Progress. I Under Mr Fow's guardianship Ihe town has made remarkable progress and. few provincial towns of I ho size in Ihe •ilominion possess Ihe amenities hr Ihe way of line streets, drainage, sewerage, lighting and scenic beauties tlial Hamilton has. Mr Fow has interested himself In Hie Waikalo Winter Show since its inception. and when his name was suggested for tho presidentship lasL yo-w there

was no one who would oppose him. He is a member of the Beautifying Society and the Domain Board and has been an indefatigable worker for these bodies almost since their inception. Various organisations in the town can claim him as a patron and vicepresident, while he has ever been a staunoh supporter of the Methodist Church. Mr Fow is also a member of the local licensing bench and a member of the Justices of the Peace Association.

There will be general gratification that although Mr Fow is no longer at the helm of the ship of local government his sound counsel, ready sympathy and sterling qualities of administration will still be available in many fields where they are most needed.

INSTALLATION CEREMONY. The installation of Dr. Pinfold as Mayor of Hamilton will take place on the evening of Wednesday, May 13. IN OTHER CENTRES. AT AUCKLAND. MR G. HUTCHISON NEW MAYOR. Mr G. W. Hutchison, the Citizens’ Association candidate, defeated Mr H. G. R. Mason, M.P., Labour, in the contest for the Auckland Mayoralty. The figures were: • Mr Hutchison 12,749 Mr Masou 8,738 Majority for Mr Hutohison 4,011 The following were returned for the City Council:— G. Grey Campbell, H. P. Burton, D. Donaldson, J. L. Coakley, H. R. Jenkins, A. J. Entrican. J. Robertson, F. H. Leonard, M. J. Bennett, M. J. Coyle, T. Bloodworth, Miss E. Melville, E. J. Phelan, J. B. Paterson, Miss A. H. G. Basten, W. H. Murray, G. L. Taylor, F. N. Bartram, J. Donald, D. Henry, G. Brownlee. Mayors In Suburbs. Mount Eden.—Mr T. McNab. One Tree Hill.—Mr I. J. Goldstine. Birkenhead. —Mr J. P. McPhail. Mount Albert.—Mr W. F. Stilwell. Onehunga.—Mr E. Morton. Devonport.—Mr H. F. Meikle. New Lynn.—Mr G. Lawson. Takapuna.—Mr J. Guiniven. CAMBRIDGE. MAYORALTY. ‘Charles Hermann Priestly 390 Samuel Lewis 306 COUNCIL. *M. Wells .... 573 *C. W. Boyce 569 *W. Moore 565 *T. F. Richards 560 *A. Wilkinson ' 536 G. Calvert 521 *C. W. Clark 519 *F. Penn 493 *H. A. Bell 481 Unsuccessful. *R. H. Moorhouse 477 T. 11. Kelly 319 The only nomination for the Waikato Hospital Board was H. A. Bell and he was declared elected. For the two seats on the Cambridge Electric Power Board, W. Moore and M. Wells were re-elected unopposed.

MORRINSVILLE. MAYORALTY. W. T. Osborne 402 B. Chapman 331 COUNCIL. F. A. Prickett 635 W. Morrice 550 D. Wilson 527 *A. J. Skinner 456 W. Hetherington 448 *H. J. Barford . : 430 Unsuccessful. 11. F. McConnell 423 W. H. Kayes 313 The only nomination for the seat on the Thames Valley Power Board was John M. Allen and he was declared elected. Voting on the question of half holiday observance: — Saturday 387 Wednesday 33G TE AROHA.

ISSUE STILL IN DOUBT. There was no election for the Mayoralty of Te Aroha, there being only one nomination received, that of the sitting Mayor, Robert Coulter. The following were the successful candidates for the eight seats on the Borough Council: ‘Frith, Harold George .... 953 Hobson, B 553 ‘Hedge, George 548 ‘Smith, Walter Edward .. 546 ‘Hamilton, Vivian George .. 535 ‘McMahon, Dennis 527 Walsh, J 453 ‘Kennedy, William Charles 444 Unsuccessful. ‘Pease, Henry James 442 Firkin, Frederick Wotton . 398 The ofllcial count has yet to be made, and as there is a difference of only two votes between Mr Kennedy and Mr Pease, the issue between these two is in doubt.

NQARUAWAHIA. MAYORALTY. Richard Eyre 189 W. M. Paterson 109 S. S. Saulbrey 66 The following were elected unopposed to the council: R. Eyre, M. Cowan, J. Prendergast, W. G. Payne, 11. D. Sampson. S. S. Saulbrey was re-elected unopposed for the seat on the Central Electric Power Board. A poll was taken on which day the half holiday should be observed and the voting showed:— Saturday 288 Wednesday 71 Every other day, except Tuesday, had one vote. There were five informal votes.

TE AWAMUTU. There was no election at Te Awamutu as only one nomination was received for the Mayoralty, and only the requisite numbers were nominated for the eight seats on the Council, therefore the Mayor for the next, two years will be: Downes, Cecil G. (Sitting Mayor) and the Council: — Sptnley, (i. Brown, Andrew, North, \V. .1., Rainey, H. C., Gifford. G., Gilbert, F. •)-. Empson, G. A., Seville, W.

No election was needed for the seats on the Te Awamulu Power Board as only the following two names came forward: —Downes, C. U., North, W, J,

THE THAMES MAYORALTY.

CANDIDATE LOSES DEPOSIT. (By Telegrapli.—Press Association.) THAMES, Thursday. The Mayoral election resulted:— Mr S. Ensor, 952; Mr W. Bongard (sitting mayor), 729; Mr A. J. Whßeside, 108. Unless a recount alters the figures Mr Whiteside will lose his deposit. As Mr Ensor was also elected unopposed on the council it will be necessary to hold another election to fill the position. MAYORS RETURNED UNOPPOSED.

The following Mayors in other centres have been elected to office unopposed. An asterisk against the name indicates re-election:— Alexandra —W. Bringans* Arrowtown —W. Wilne* Balclutha—S. V. White* Blenheim—M. McKenzie. Bluff —T. F. Doyle. Brunner —J. Smeaton* Carterton —W. Fisher* Dannevirke —M. D. Smith* Eketahuna —W. Simpson* Featherston —J. W. Card* Feilding—C. E. Taylor* Green Island —W. U. Smellie* Greytown—H. T. Bees* Hampden—W. A. Murcott. Hawera —E. A. Pacey* Hokitika —G. A. Perry* Inglewood—J. Gibbs. Kumara —A. B. Spiers* Lawrence —J. K. Simpson* Levin —C. Blenlthorn* Lower Hutt—W. T. Strand. Martinborough—W. B. Martin* Masterton —T. Jordan* Milton —J. Gray* Mosgeil—W. E. McLean* Nelson —W. J. Moffat’ Newmarket —S. Donaldson* Oamaru —J. Forrester. Ohakune —G. J. Goldfinch* Otahuhu —H. T. Clements* Otaki —C. F. Atmore* Paeroa —W. Marshall* Patea—F. Ramsbottom* Rlccarton —H. S. Kyle, M.P.* Richmond —H. W. Kelly* Runanga—R. McTaggart. Shannon —E. Butt* Stratford —P. Thompson* South Invercargill—W. MeChesney. Te Kulti —W. J. Broadfoot, M.P.* Wailcouaiti —A. Fell* Waipawa—G. 11. Hunt* Waipukurau—R. McLean* Waitara —J. B. Hlne. West Harbour —T. H. Harridge. Elected In Other Towns. Rotorua.—Mr T. Jackson wes returned with a majority in excess of two to one over Mr Glinkard, M.P. Whangarei.—Mr W. Jones. Pukekohe. —Mr .J. Routly. Waihi. —Mr W. M. Wallnutt. Tauranga.—Mr B. C. Robbins. Pahlatua. —Mr D. Wilson.

Wellington.—Mr T. C. Hislop. Christchurch. —Mr D. G. Sullivan. The retiring Mayor, Mr, J. K. Archer, topped the poll for the City Council. Dunedin. —Mr R. S. Black. Northcote. —Mr R. Martin. Wanganui.—Mr N. G. Armstrong. New Plymouth.—Mr V. H. S. Griffiths. Palmerston North. —Mr A. E. Mansford. Wairoa. —Mr H. L. Barker. Timaru. —Mr T. W. Satterthwalte. Invercargill.—Mr John Miller. Westport.—Mr J. H. Harkness. Ashburton.—Mr W. H. Woods. Gore. —Mr A. T. Newman. Mataura.—Mr C. D. McConnell. Waimate. —Mr G. Dash.

THE MAYORALTY. F. D, PINFOLD . 2278 J. R. FOW i 2004 Majority -’The following are details of the polling:— 272 . Pinfold. Fow. Drill Hall «■.. 744 745 Frankton . ...... 396 Whitiora 173 Claudelands .... . ., 238 339 Hamilton East .. 309 Maeroa r . 42 Totals Informal, 35; declarations, 2276 121. 2004

THE NEW COUNCIL. Drill Hall. F’nkton. Whi’ora Cl’lands. East. Maeroa. Totals Caro, ,H. D. 931 598 280 350 348 84 2591 *Denz, A. J 695 576 186 254 253 76 2040 •Barton,' C. J. W. .. 755 414 193 315 281 70 2028 ‘Clapham, F. H. .. 775 382 206 275 243 75 1956 •Tyler, S. V 735 350 185 263 257 73 1863 •Lafferty, G. ....... 505 ' 666 179 193 233 73 1849 Nisbet, C 737 298 281 277 184 54 1831 •Bourne, w 607 308 165 262 350 42 1734 Curteis, \V. A. ... 515 278 168 267 351 43 1622 Hammond, H. M. . 654 274 184 292 161 3/ 1602 •Farrell, F. J 547 501 112 196 177 50 1583 Dillfcar, W. W. .. 493 346 249 211 151 48 1498 DEFEATED CANDIDATES. •Wilson, D. D 420 460 116 146 137 46 1325 Holloway, C. H. .. 503 238 165 219 140 27 1292 Heywood, E. B. .. . 526 198 145 240 118 19 1246 Shattoclv, W. R. .. 394 317 140 149 167 63 1230 •Luxford, F. W. .. 472 261 115 196 131 53 1228 Vickery, F 513 194 150 164 142 24 1192 •Andrews, B. H. .. 408 351 100 156 114 34 1163 Best, F 414 191 102 67 327 37 1138 Elliott, E. B 269 526 81 ■92 •- SS' 46 1102 Jones, I. M. C. ... 323 240 97 142 114 45 961 McGuire, F/”..... 375 188 131 135 82 22 933 Vfvhntlne, E. N. .. 331 187 87 126 122 26 879 Beebe, H 183 223 48 217 53 28 752 McCrae, R. E. ... 215 189 82 78 67 26 G57 Aitken, II. D 197 214 48 85 46 17 607 Little, T. G. ! 149 212 13 43 69 23 509 Rotherham, H. ... 147 134 72 54 49 21 477 McManus, W. B. .. 72 126 16 25 35 19 293 Informal, 493 * Members of last council.