THE MAYORALTY.

MR. J. W. BEANLAND A CANDIDATE. Mr J. "VV. Beanland announced yesterday that ho intended to contest the Mayoralty of Christohurch next April against all comers. "I was waited on recently by some of the members of the executive of the Citizens Association, and told that the Association was seeking to establish the principle of one man one job, and I reolied that I would withdraw from the* Tramway Board election and rely on the promise made to mo two years ago that the Association would support me for the Mayoralty next Anril," said Mr Beanland. "I am relying on the arrangements made with nie by a deputation of about ten of the leading members of the Association who waited on me at my house two years ago." Position of Citizens' Association. Mr W. Machin, chairman of the Citisens' Association Executive, referring to Mr Beanland's candidature, and hi* chum that he had a promise of support from the Association, said that there appeared to be a misunderstanding. "I think it is necessary for me to say that the Oitdzens' Association is not bound to support anyone in the Mayoral election next April," said Mr Machin. "There is no promise to Mr Beanland nor to anyone else. Mr Beanland is a. most respected member of the Citizens' Association, and I. have no doubt whatever that when the question comes up just prior to the election he will be considered most fully and fairly, a.lonjr with any other aspirants to the Mayoralty. The Association's hands are not tied in any possible way. The whole matter must be discussed on its merits when the proper time arrives." The Mayor's Statwnmt. When asked last night what his intention was with regard to seeking a further term of office, the Mayor (Mr J. A. Flesher) said that he had been approached by a 1 number of citizens from various parts of Christchurch pressing him to take nomination for another term, and asking him to de clare himself. "As the election has seven months to go," said Mr Flesher '•there is no occasion to do so, so early' At the same time, I have alwavs held the opinion that the present term, two years, is too short; it ought to be thiee

years. I aim f*l that my »•» not yet finished. I am quite jim to serve the city in any way that-: be thought fit." Mr Flesher WW out that Mr H. Holland had been.Mj for seven years, and Dr. Tbackfl« immediate predecessor, for four in view of past experiences, he .* siderod that a two years' altogether too suort, as a MayoF| only getting into his stride, as it when it was time for him to gftj of office. 'i;l ■ *