THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 36, 11 February 1904, Page 4

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

We believe that public opinion throughout the city emphatically endorses the action of the deputation which yesterday waited upon the Hon. E. Mitekelson with the request that he i would consent to re-election as Mayor ! at the end of his term of office. Eight I out of the twelve members of the City Council were present, and Councillor Grey, in speaking for the deputation, j stated that he was expressing the j unanimous wish of the Council in urging this request. We do not think that there is any possible dili'erence of opinion as to the success with which Mr Mitchelson has tilled the Mayoral chair, and experience has long since taught the city that it is by no means easy to find citizens of undoubted capacity pub-lic-spirited enough to devote so large a share of their energies to municipal afTairs. Councillor Grey justly pointed out that one year ia hardly enough to render a Mayor familiar with muninipal business:, and is. in fact, little more than an introduction to the office. Just now the city has undertaken, or is about to commence, a series of important public works, which should, if possible, be carried out under a Mayor already familiar with the requirements of the city and the limits of our resources. More especially because the abolition of the Ward system has increased the responsibility laid upon the central municipal authority, it is inadvisable that the government of the city should be thrown out of gear by any serious change in its personnel. Mr Mitchelson, it is well kLOwn, is a man, and we cannot expect even the most conscientious of citizens to sacrifice their personal interests permanently to the public welfare. But we believe that the deputation from the City Council voiced the sentiment of the whole city in expressing the hope that Mr Mitchelson will find it compatible with his many I private interests and duties to accept I re-election.