There is hereby created the office of chief of police of the city, which shall be filled by some suitable person who is a qualified voter of the city and who possesses all the qualifications prescribed by the city charter for a policeman. Such officer shall be appointed by the city manager in the manner prescribed by the city charter and shall hold his office for the period of one year from the date of his appointment and until his successor is appointed and qualified. The chief of police shall be appointed annually on the fourth Tuesday in April. (Code 1941, Art. 107-1)