Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 9 February 1907, page 5


MAYOKAL ELECTIONS.

SOUTH BRISBANE, TOOWONG, LAIDLEY,

ROMA, BUNDABERG, AND TOWNSVILLE.

SOUTH BRISBANE COUNCIL.

ALDERMAN GILLESPIE ELECTED

MAYOR.

A meeting of the South Brisbane City Council was held yesterday for the purpose of electing a Mayor. There were present Aldermen R. E. Burton, J. Davies, G. H. Schofield. T. W. Bouchard, M.L.A., G. H. Blocksidge, D. B. McCullough, A. Gillespie, J. B. Charlton. A. Shearer, G. Fish, J. Garsden, and A. S. Lang, and the town clerk (Mr. A. Leney).

The retiring Mayor (Alderman Burton) announced the result of the recent elections.

The town clerk (Mr. Leney) took the chair, and said he understood the arrangement would be that as each candidate was nominated a vote would be taken, and it would be understood that the candidate

voted for himself.

Alderman Blocksidge said the candidate would have to vote, or his vote could not be recorded.

Alderman McCullough moved that the council resolve itself into committee to

discuss the matter.

Alderman Fish seconded the motion pro forma.

On it being put to the vote those supporting it were — Aldermen McCullough, Fish, Shearer, Charlton, Burton, and Blocksidge.

The town clerk said the voting was equal, and he could not give a casting

vote.

Alderman Blocksidge said it was very desirable that they should consider who should this year be Mayor of South Brisbane. It was desirable, therefore, that they should discuss the merits of the

candidate.

Alderman Charlton said he supported the motion because, as new members, neither he nor Alderman Shearer had much knowledge of the values of the different candidates. He did not wish to make a bear garden of the chamber.

Alderman, A. S. Lang thought they were not likely to make a bear garden of the place. But if the motion would lead to a better discussion he would not oppose it.

Alderman Burton supported the motion. Alderman Fish said he thought it would be the best course to adjourn for a quarter

of an hour.

Alderman McCullough moved to that

effect.

Alderman Schofield opposed the motion because it was, he considered, practically announcing to the ratepayers that the place was likely to be made a bear garden. He certainly did not desire to say in the committee room what he would not say in open council, he thought the Mayor should be elected in open council.

Alderman Bouchard thought Alderman Charlton’s reasons for an adjournment were sound, and he favoured the motion being carried.

Alderman Shearer said he would support the motion.

The motion was carried, Alderman Schofield dissenting.

The council, then adjourned.

At three minutes to 1 the council

resumed.

Alderman Schofield said that in accordance with their previous arrangement he had a nomination to make. Had Alderman McDougall lived there was a distinct

Alderman A. Gillespie,

Mayor of South Brisbane.

Mrs. Gillespie, Mayoress of South Brisbane.

intention to give him the chair He nominated

Alderman Gillespie and was sure he would do justice to the office (Applause)

Alderman A S Lang seconded the motion.

The motion on being put was carried

unanimously

The new Mayor was conducted to the chair by Alderman Schofield.

Alderman Burton as retiring Mayor congratulated Alderman Gillespie on his election He was sure the new Mayor would do all in his power to advance South Brisbane (Applause) There was one thing a Mayor or had to do and that was to study the law (Laughter)

A Voice And the prophets.

Alderman Burton said that by studying the law a Mayor would avoid mistakes He was sure aldermen would support the new Mayor (applause)

Alderman Fish congratulated the new Mayor. He could hardfly understand any alderman being particularly envious of the position (laughter) If he were as successful as Alderman Burton had been, he could be well satisfied

Alderman Charlton promised to give the Mayor every support.

Aldermen Davies Bouchard Shearer Garden McCullough Lang Blocksidge and Schofield added their congratulations to the new Mayor.

Alderman Gillespie in replying said it was with a great deal of diffidence that he took the position. He thanked aldermen for their confidence. He hoped for the important of aldermen and if ever he was in any difficulty he would not be afiaid to ask his brother aldermen for advice. He was not much of a speaker and believed that a chairman should never do much speaking. He thanked alderman sincerely for electing him to the position

The .proceedings then terminated