THE MAYORALTY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10310, 20 January 1927, Page 5

THE MAYORALTY

MR C. E. ARMSTRONG TO BTANO TRIBUTES BY STRONG DEPUTATION. . The impending departure of Mr. G. Wildish,' the present Mayor of* Gisborne, has induced many thoughts as to who will succeed him in that position. Last evening a definite move in the matter was made, when a representative deputation waited on Mr U. E. Armstrong at his home and requested him to stand for the position. Mr. Armstrong expressed his willingness. Members of the deputation were Messrs. C. A. deLautpur (chairman), C. Muir, C. Ivess, Allan Sutton, J. Hansen, T. Corson, H. W. Barker, G- Bloore, I. Mirfield, A. Puflett, ,1. Blair, H. H. DeCosta, G. Oman, C. Matthews, L. D. Cooper, ’E. H. Lawton, F. Goodman, A. J. Nicol, H. Ivenway, J. B. Kells, H. J. Bushnell, E. Hughes, and Hindle. Apologies for absence were received from tlu; following: Mrs. Goffe, Messrs. T. E. Toneycliffe, W. A. Barton, W. G. Sherratt, M. L. Foster, F. Riach, H. Heeney, H. E. Bright and Dr. Bowie. Addressing Mr Armstrong, Mr C. A. deLautour outlined the reasons tor the deputation’s visit. “It is our unanimous wish,” he stated, “that you will consent to stand for the position of Mayor at the coming election. The time is ripe for the appointment at the head of municipal affairs of a man who holds no brief for any particular party. It is of 'Jkgreat importance that we secure a of epperience in business and public affairs and one Acceptable to the burgesses of the town. You, Mr Armstrong, possess these characteristics. We require a man in whom w r e may repose confidence, who would be just and who would not waste the

public- money. You possess the confidence of the district, and you have

done great work here in the past, and bad the support of the Government in the work. We all pledge our support for you—our presence here tonight testifies to this. It is for you to accept nomination.” “We feel that, if you agree to our proposal, Mr Armstrong,” said Mr T. Corson, the next speaker, “we shall have passed a big hurdle. We want a man who is conversant with public works. All present to-nigfit, and in-

deed all the district, know that you have been a good servant of the town of Gisborne. You have helped us splendidly with the Gisborne-lYlo-rere "road. Mr Coates did his part, but to you much of the credit is due. It is essential that we have a man of your calibre as chairman of the Council and we know that you will fill the bill.” Air H. DeCosta endorsed the re-

marks of the previous speakers ana said that ne felt certain Air Armstrong would get the support’ of the whole community. If he took up the reins of government, they would be in most capable hands. Mr Armstrong’s long experience with the Government was a guarantee of his worth. Probably the tram question would crop up and with Air Armstrong to direct matters they would be assured of a fair deal on the merits of the case. AI 11. Kenway pointed out that when a citizen” was approached by jiis fellows who considered him fit to fill a certain position, and when he ,could spare the time, it was certain--1 v Iris duty to accept such a position. Aso one should refuse such a splendid ■opportunity of doing service for tile town. They all knew how keen Mr Armstrong ’ was for the welfare of Gisborne and they felt quite confident that he would follow the path ol duty. Air 0. Alatthews also endorsed the

•previous speaker’s remarks and stressed the great suitability or Mr Armfor the position. ✓F.'Mi’’ G. B. Oman spoke of the fact that they had known Mr Armstrong for many years, and they knew what a splendid man he was. He had laid the foundations of the highway from Gi sborne to Napier, but others had got the credit. A special attribute of Mr Armstrong was, too, that he was absolutely unbiassed on any

matters whatsoever. Ah' C. G. Bloore testified to Mr Armstrong’s great carefulness in works and his enthusiasm for the good of the district. The speaker bad never met anyone so keen in Giis direction. It was very _ gratifying that there was such a widely-ref itsentative deputation as was present ■that night. In Mr. Armstrong they had a man respected throughout the comm unitv. lie had been with them

for twenty-five years, and all that time he had been working for the good of the district. “J do not know of any man who

would fill the position so ably and creditably,” said Mr A. J. icol. “A speaker mentioned that a man should be giving his services to the town when he had spare time. Surely Mr Armstrong is doing that very thing ? Every move for the, good of Gisborne Ims his support, and*no committee for bettering the town is formed without including him among its numbers."' Mr Fred Goodman also spoke and

feelingly referred to his previous associations with Mr Armstrong. As a contractor, he could realize to the full how such an experienced man as Mr .Armstrong was in engineering matters, would be invaluable to a borough council. "Rising to reply, Mr Armstrong was greeted with applause. “J. assure you from the bottom of my heart,” he said, feelingly, “that this is an overwhelming surprise. Mr Kenway touched a note when be spoke of a citizen’s duty to bis town. I consider it mv duty and every man’s duty to help his town and district. You have done me a great honor. Great credit is due to the councillors who .^4?give their time for the good of the -town. They have to take the knocks and kicks of political life, hut what does that matter when a man 'lias done his duty? Now that you ask me to stand, J feel that I. must comply. When one has health and strength, it is one’s duty to help the town. J will try to do mine. A speaker mentioned my work on the road —I only saw that" an outlet was needed and used my powers at headquarters and got the* work pushed on. Another matter which I reflect on is the Gis-"borne-Motuhora railway. When _it was proposed, people said it was im-possible-well, it has been open for fifteen vears now and at no time lias it been closed for longer than a day. With regard to the Gisborne-Wairoa railway, I have no hesitation in saying the line should go by the inland route. The question of the trams if a matter for the public to decide. It is a. difficult matter on which to express an opinion. To cut the trams cut appears a retrograde step, but it must he remembered that times are changing. We read in the press of trains going out in the hig cities and such might become necessary in Gisborne. Mention was made that T understand the controlling of men. A •once was in charge of 700 men of all castes and characters, and if one could not learn to control labor on that job, "then one never could. 1 ahvnvs work on the principle that n laboring man has tlm same feelings as nivself. He must l>e treated fairly. If you do that, there is little difficulty. Certainly there are wasters and slackers, hilt I tell vou i "have no compunction in dealing with men of that class. Hut if n man ; s doing less than others with him. vet is doing his best. I would not dishim. merely because he was doing a little less. Torching on iin-

mcc, it u plainly apparent to me wllal an imnyrtaht matter this is to local bodies.' It is often said of publie money it is only public money, therefore why not spend iff My answer to that is that public money should be conserved as carefully, if not more carefully, than one’s private money. If I am elected, I shall certainly see that the Borough gets full value for its expenditure. Money is not so Dlentiful that it can be spent in a bad way, wasted. My experience as an engineer should be of assistance to the Council. Moreover, 1 shall always strongly welcome any advice from experienced membets of the Council. I feel from the . bottom of rnv heart that you honestly wash me to stand, and I feel that I must accept. I thank you, gentlemen, and I only hone and trust that I will hU the bill with credit to myself and to y thanked Mr Armstrong for his acceptance and after the singing of idood 'Fellow,” the deputation vntndrew. i'