Board at the end of three months, viz, on the 1st of October next. At the same time, if it be the wish of the Council to appoint another gentleman to the situation now or prior to the termination of this notice, I shall be glad to resign my appointments at once, and give him and the Council every assistance in my power during my stay here, provided the Council and Local Board continue to me the remuneration I now receive. In conclusion, I beg to return my sincere thanks for many marks of favour or kindness which I have received from many of you during the time (now five years and a half) I have had the honour to hold my appointments. I am, &c. John Laing, C.E.”
The resignation was accepted.
The Appointment of a Successor. The applicants in reply to an advertisement for a successor were very numerous, and at an adjourned meeting on the 13th of September, after their names and testimonials had been read, a selection of 25 candidates was made for further consideration, and the meeting was further adjourned to the 17th, when the list was further reduced to five, and a deputation was appointed to go to Manchester, Scotland, London, Stratford, Wolverhampton and Leeds to make personal enquiries respecting such candidates. Another adjourned meeting was held on the 1st of October, when the delegates made their report.
Final Decision. At the monthly meeting on the 4th of October, the Committee recommended the Council to elect Mr.Mackensie(sic); also that a vote of thanks should be passed to Messrs Ross and Putland for the pains they had taken in making the enquiries, and for the assiduity with which they had carried out the same. After some questions had been answered, Ald. Ginner moved that the Committee’s report be adopted. Ald. Clement seconded, and said he thought Mr. Mackensie(sic) would be above taking a bribe, and in other respects was just the man that would suit them. Mr. Mackenzie was then elected unanimously.
The Volunteer Fire Brigade. – At the meeting on the 5th of July, a letter was received from Superintendent Glenister, in which he offered the gratuitous serviced of 54 men to form a Fire Brigade, and asked the permission to drill them. The Town Clerk said he had asked Mr. Glenister to attend to answer any questions that might be asked. In answer to questions by Ald. Ginner, Mr. Glenister said he did not think his Fire Brigade superintendance(sic) would interfere with his other duties. He had held that position with the present firemen for two years, and he would be willing to give up the drilling of the brigade as soon as other men could be found. The present brigade consisted of only eight men, who were -
