The Mayorship of Auckland City.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 217, 15 September 1886, Page 6

The Mayorship of Auckland City.

(To the Editor.)

Sik,—Tho old custom gave the power of electing the position of Mayor in tho hands of the Councillors, which gave general dissatisfaction. The law was then altered to place the power in the hands of the eeneral ratepayer ; but, unfortunately, the general ratepayer has had no opportunity given him to exercise hia judgment upou the matter. For why, I know not; but the coming position of Mayor, I understand, is one of considerable importance, and should be decided by the voice of the general ratepayer through the ballot box, and not by paid canvassers going about getting signatures from Dick, Tom, and Harry, and then for the contending parties to compare notes, and finally settle tho question in some back parlour in Quoen-street. It U gonurally understood that the coming Mayor is likely to have tho offer of knighthood bestowel upon him by ilor Most Gracious Majesty the Queon, at her coming jubilee; therefore it behoves tho people of Auckland to exert themselves a little to endeavour to elect a person quali lied and tit for auch a high position, a person whom thoy would feel pleased ana pi oud of holding such a position. Under such circumstances, it is to bo hoped that some of our beet and most honourable citizens will come forward and give the ratepayers an opportunity of having tho pleasure of olecting tho pureon tuoy desire to gain the cm ing prize. Besides the two candidates now out, I might suggest a few names likely to obtain strong support: Dr. Campbell, J. C. Firth, Capf. Daldy, J, M. Clark, Graves Aickin, A. £. Mackechnie, F. Larkins, W. McMillian, T. Peacock, A, Boardman, Jas. Williamson, und many other resectable citizens, all of whom would fill the office with crodit. Trusting these few suggestions will raeotwith good results, and that we shall have a good contest,—l am, etc., K.C.M.G.

(To the Editor)

Sin,—l may "bo altogether wrong, but the ollioe of Mayor of Auckland ssems to be going a-begging! Now in this " jubilee" year, when X C.B.s or K.C.M.G.'s might fly Mayorwards throughout the length and breadth of the British Empire, why not single out one of our most esteemed follow citizens, whom all would delight in honouring, and af k that gentleman to honour tho p.ity by poimitting himself to be placed in the civic chair—say, either of those estimable gentlemen, Dr. Campbell or Mr Owen, of the firm of Owen and (Jraham—or if the burgesses, failing in the above, wanted to do a graceful act, elect Mr J. 0. Firth in hie absence, like my friend Mr Joseph May was, in his absence, to a seat in the Auckland Provincial Council. What claim has Mr Devore upon the burgesses thatit should be contemplated to pitchfork him into the Mayor's chuir ? Had he been tho author of tho City Fresh-water Baths, there would have been some reason for it. Waddel haR been a good Mayor, and would make a good dough nut —I beg pardon ! doughty knight —but " Dick Whittington'o" term (three years) is quite long enough. Gentlemen, tho ball is at your feet. Who will step forward and kick it to a goal ? —Yours, &c, T. B. Hankaiord.