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Originally His Majesty had kindly consented to undertake the ceremony, but in
his absence the duty fell upon H.R.H. Prince George. I attended this ceremony
in July and received His Royal Highness in my official capacity.
Speaking of that building, I think I might say that we welcome it as an historical
memorial in our midst. The Memorial Tower has now become an additional landmark
throughout London, and the imposing building, subscribed for by Salvation
Army patrons, is now known all over the world as their Central Training College.
During my year of office it has afforded me pleasure to lend my services in aid
of several public charities : notably among these was the Lord Mayor of London's
appeal for the miners and their families in distressed mining areas. In this
connection I was happy to forward a cheque for £1,106 18s. 7d., representing
donations by citizens of Camberwell in small amounts. Apart from which many
direct contributions were made by important local firms to the fund prior to the
opening of my local appeal. I was also able to send a considerable quantity of
clothing to the Lord Mayor of Cardiff for distribution in South Wales.
It afforded the Mayoress and myself much pleasure to organise Alexandra
Rose Day, when a new record was created for the Borough by a collection of
£949 15s. 8d.
In connection with these charitable efforts, I wish to take this opportunity
of expressing the warmest thanks of the Mayoress and myself to those who have
rendered us valuable services, in regard to collection and organisation.
At the commencement of my address I referred to the special interest I wished
to take in the way of entertaining the younger members of the Camberwell community
and it was indeed a pleasure to be able, through the kind support of the local
tradespeople and other friends, to take no less than 320 children on an up-river
excursion, while about 5,000 children have been entertained locally.
It has also afforded me a great deal of pleasure to support the local Boy Scout
movement. The Mayoress accepted their kind invitation to present their flag
prior to a contingent leaving for the Jamboree. I have attended a number of their
functions and have been impressed by the enthusiasm of the boys and their leaders
in the movement in which they are engaged.
Another juvenile feature to which I would like to refer is that of the opening
of the Juvenile Department at the Livesey Library. This completes the
installation of a juvenile section at each of our public libraries throughout the
Borough. I take the opportunity of offering my congratulations to the members
of the Libraries Committee in the completion of a valuable educational service.
With reference to the interest which I wished to take in the trade of the Borough,
it was my pleasing duty on Monday last to perform the opening ceremony appertaining
to the local Trade Exhibition, and great credit is due to the Chamber of
Commerce for the organisation and the fostering of the many and various trades
they represent.
I have at all times been only too happy to place my services at the disposal of
trade organisations during the course of the year.
The Council will realise it is quite impossible for any Mayor to give a full
detailed account of the many and varied duties he is called upon to perform during
his year of office, but it does afford me pleasure in looking back to observe that the
Mayoress and myself have endeavoured faithfully to discharge our civic duties.
In conclusion, I would like it placed on record my keen appreciation of the
help that the Mayoress has rendered to me during the year. I feel that she has
upheld the tradition and high standard of dignity set by those who have preceded
her.
I take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the Chief Officers, all of
whom have rendered me most valuable service, and their advice at all times has
been most helpful.
My duties have not brought me into personal contact with all the members of
the Council's staff, but I have evidence of their loyalty and a keen desire to give
their best service to the Borough.
My best thanks are extended to my Secretary, Mr. Pruce, who has made a
valuable contribution to any success I have attained.