Cr Patton moved the motion. Cr Dalton, in seconding it, regretted that the motion was necessary.
The present council had set out to do its very best to improve the financial position, and he felt that it had been even somewhat niggardly in trying to reduce the expenditure to the utmost possible limit, and he would have thought that the ratepayers would recognise its endeavours.
Had the ratepayers allowed them to run the borough, with the Mayor's valuable guidance, it would only have been a matter of time when the borough would have been in a good financial position.
He hoped that all the members of the council would continue to do their best for the Mornington Ward.
The Mayor (Mr Sincock) said that, whilst he regretted having to pass the resolution, they all agreed that from the result of the poll it was quite clear that the change was desired by the electors, and they bowed to the wisdom of the ratepayers.
The talk that had been heard about the financial position of the borough had probably given ratepayers of the city a prejudiced opinion, and when the actual state of affairs became known he was sure that they would receive a very pleasant awakening.
The tramways had been at the bottom of the whole trouble, and it was a bad day when they were taken over.
Leaving the tramways and water out of account, it would be found that their debt was under £14,000.
The resolution was then passed, and the seal and signatures were affixed to the petition.
• Matters connected with the junior department of the Young Men's Christian Association are going on with a good swing.
The monthly report presented to the Department Committee meeting last night showed seven religious group meetings and Bible classes in full swing, and another contemplated, 80 boys in Bible study, 60 boys in the Boy Scout troops, boys' rallies, including a health talk by Mr J. T. Cooper.
Twenty-three boys have lunch daily in the rooms, and secure a hot cup of tea.
A fund has been started for the purchase of a piano, all music at present being supplied by a folding organ. - ODT, 18.8.1915.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
