THE DUNEDIN MAYORALTY.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7215, 28 November 1888, Page 6

THE DUNEDIN MAYORALTY.

[Br Telecjeavh.] [fbom our correspondent.] DUNEDIN, -November VL The city mayoral contest is exciting unusual interest, and bids fair to result in a surprise if the " Man at the Corner " is to be believed. From his lenjrth of service as Councillor, and experience as Mayor of a suburban borough, all advantages appear on the side of Councillor Gourley, whose opponent is Mr C. K. Chapman, a barrister nd son of one of our oldest identities, who was for years-Registrar of the Supreme Court.. The. latter has frequently sought to attain civil and legislative honors, but the public will have none of him, and his experiments have been so costly that very few thought he would seriously "contest this election to the end. Against Mr Gourley a series of adverse circumstances are operating, which may prejudice his''chance, though I think be will, after <ilU.be. returned by a substantial majority. Hie erratic course on the Licensing Committee, especially as the member of a Temperance Xodga in systematically voting for an increase of licenses, will cause the Templar organisations to record a block vote against him. The mercantile community are very dissatisfied with his consistent support of a second dock scheme for Port'Chalmers. The third influeLce which is silently 1 working, though not much spoken of publicly, is the candidate s social position, the upper ten not relishing the idea of the honors and hospitality of the city in view of the Exhibition -festivities being dispensed by an undertaker. If all one hears be correct these adverse influences '• acting together; will ensure his.defeat, but I discredit the report, though if an averagely strong man from among the. Council had stood he must hajfe won. Mr Gourley's safety lies in his opponent's weakness and Inexperience or public affairs and the muddle he has made of bis canvassing. His meeting the other night was diverting in the extreme, and is the talk of the town. He denied having ever sought to obtain the support Of the'Hcensed victuallers, yet the papers have published letters showing that when he last stood for the Assembly he wrote to the Victuallers' Association, pointing out he . was interested in hotel property, that their interests were identical in some degree, and hoping to receive a share of their support. He bases his claims lor; support; on Xhe fact that he is prepared to do without salary, and give free legal advice; besides announcing that if returned the Exhibition guarantee fund will benefit to the tune of £500. In this connection' his-father addresses to the Star an -extraordinary letter, in which he says he made such an offer, but never intended it to be made public, and con-i demns his son's action in-strong terms. He goes on to say that the Mayoral office should carry emolument with it, and adds if his son: persists in making money bids for election he will on polling day vote against hinu The tone of the letter and; manner of its publication caused no little amusement. On the whole, the election is : getting Very mixed , as polling day approaches. •■■■■■'