ple one, he said, because the gentleman he had to nominate had formerly filled the office. His own introduction to the Council was during that gentleman’s mayoralty, and it would be in everyone’s mind as to the ability and judgement with which he fulfilled its duties [Applause]
Coun. Gausden said there was little to add as to Mr. Ross’s ability for filling the office of Mayor. Although he had differed from Mr. Ross on one or two questions [and greatly so], yet he was induced to second his nomination he believed Mr. Ross had the time, the ability and the moral courage to sustain the dignity of the office, and to maintain the rights and privileges which the borough now enjoyed. As chief magistrate, he did not doubt that he would give his decisions on the bench with firmness, while he tempered justice with mercy. But that was not the only duty that the Mayor was called upon to fulfil; by virtue of his office, he was to preside over the meetings of the Council and the Local Board. He had no doubt that from the facility to business arising from the able manner in which the meetings during the past year had been presided over, the new Mayor would endeavour to perpetuate the same. Having these views respecting Mr. Ross, he had great pleasure in seconding his nomination, and hoped the vote would be a unanimous one [Applause].
No other gentleman being proposed, the question was put to the vote, and nearly (if not quite) every hand was held up in favour of Mr. Ross, followed by a round of applause. The new bells of St. Clement’s also rang out a merry peal, and some small cannon on the West Hill fired a salute.
Journalistic Comments on the Mayoralty.
We stated last week (said the Hastings and St. Leonards News) that by general report, Mr. Ross was declared likely to succeed Mr. Ticehurst as Mayor. Although we only gave this as a rumour, we understand a few of our readers were very much put out with us for giving publicity to it. Had we said nothing about it, the same parties would have censured our silence and called us useless. Some men are hard to please.... We gave no opinion on this fact, and if the mere execution of our duty in reporting the probabilities and facts of civil life is to be taken by the personal or party feeling of others as an expression of opinion, we can only say we are sorry for it, but cannot help it.
With regard to the appointment, we may now be allowed to welcome Mr. Ross’s return to the office which he filled so creditably on a former occasion. We have had differences with Mr. Ross on public questions; and, most likely, we shall have them again; for he is not infallible, nor are we. But if any parties think that -
