THE MAYORALTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2113, 12 February 1908, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

At last night’s meeting ol tho Borough Council, Cr. Bright rose and .jam that lie wished to asl£ tho Mayor, Mr. Townley, a question. Even it lie did not wish to answer the speaker would he quite satisfied, lie shortly explained that it was desired to know Mr. Townley’s intentions in regard to the municipal elections in April next. Mr. Townley spoke feelingly, and replied that ho was quite proparou to answer the question. “I gavo a pledge,” lie said, “as you know that I would not stand again, and I feel ’hound to adhere to that pledge. You are at perfect liberty to look round lor a fresh Mayor as soon as you think proper, and I think the sooner the better. I have no intention of contesting again. I think, lor the benefit of the borough, is is time they had a change. 1 have been in so long that it looks as if they could nob get anybody else to stand, but that is not so. I thank Cr. Bright for bis nice way of putting it, aim the Councillors generally for the many pleasant evenings. I think it is time to retiro whether I made a pledge or not. I think that probably my promise caused somo people to vote for me who might not have done so otherwise, and therefore 1 think it best to look round and get another Mayor. I don’t tool that I could break that pledge, and I could not reasonably ask the ratepayers. I have asked them so often and they have always returned me. I was elected in 1877, and am here still. I have always taken a very great deal of interest in the affairs of the borougli, and tho little good I may have done was done freely. I must say straight-out that when I said_ I did not intend to contest the position I meant it.” Cr. Bright- thanked the Mayor for his reply, -and added that ho hoped he would not misinterpret the question. "Certainly not,” was the reply. Cr. Bright said that so long as Mr. Townley contested the Mayoral chair ho would not vote for anyone else. He had never known any one give such conscientious aud continuous attention to the interests of the ratepayers. (Applause) The Mayor said that he was glad the question had been raised, aud tho position was clear now. He should always take a lively interest in the progress of Gisborne. When be came it was a very small borough indeed, and no doubt it would continue to groiv and prosper. Its improvements were just commencing. For many years nothing had been done, but now great changes were taking place, and Gisborne would take a prominent 6tand in the progress of the Dominion. He got on remarkably well with tho Councillors, and always fought for what he considered to be for the best interests of the place. He hoped the new Mayor would take the same interest. (Applause.)