MAYORAL ELECTIONS.

Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7719, 26 November 1890, Page 5

MAYORAL ELECTIONS.

CHRISTCHURCBThe polling for tbe Mayoralty of Christchurch takes place to-day at the City Council Chamber and the Foresters* Hall, Richmond, the two candidates being the present Mayor and Mr C. M. Gray. Tbe latter gentleman addressed a fairly attended meeting at Richmond Last night, and in the course of a few remarks touched upon various subjects. These included the amalgamation of Richmond with the city, the improvement ot the Bichmond ward by meaus of channelling and asphalting, the necessity for a bridge over the Avon at Ward's Brewery, etc At the conclusion of the address, which was remarkable for its brevity, no questions were asked. A vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr Ledsbam, was carried unanimously, and the meeting terminated in the usual way.

The close approach of the general elections has somewhat robbed the contest for the Mayoral chair of the interest which Is usually attached to that event. However, be that as it may, the ratepayers of Christchureh will be called upon today to elect, for another year, a gentleman to occupy the highest position that it is in their power to bestow, namely, tbe Chief Magistracy of the city. That there is to be a contest for the Mayoral chair is to be regretted. No reason whatever has been advanced why the same courtesy that has been extended to previous Mayors should be denied Mr S. Manning. It has become a matter of custom that where a Mayor, during his Urst year of office, has discharged his duties to the satisfaction of the ratepayers, his efforts have been acknowledged by according him the honor of occupying the seat for a second term. This has been bnt a graceful act on the part of th<) ratepayers, and in the case of Mr Manning would have beeu thoroughly deserved. During his term of office he has upheld the dignity ot the position to the satisfaction of all, aud has devoted himself almost entirely to the service of tbe city and its Inhabitants. By his urbanity aud genial manner he has won for himself the esteem and respect of his fellow-citizens, an esteem that will no doubt be shown in a practical manner :at the ballot box to-day. A capable man, the possessor of good business habits, and with plenty of leisure at his disposal, Mr Manning is all that could be wished for as a worthy occupant of the position in which the majority of the ratepayers again seek to place him. That the honor will be accorded him there is little doubt; but, as we have said, it is a pity that his services were not more gracefully acknowledged by re-electing him unopposed. Seeing, however, that an attempt is to be made to deprive him of the same courtesy that has been shown to previous possessors of the civic chair, we hope tbat the friends and supporters of Mr Manning will rally round him to-day in full strength, and thereby ensure his re-election to tbe honorable and dignified Sasltlon ot Mayor of Christchureh. — hristchurch Telegraph. RANGIORA. A public meeting to hear the views of the candidates for the Mayoralty was held In the Oddfellows' Hall ou Monday evening. There was a large attendance, the room being full, and Mr _L Boyd was voted to the chair. Mr E. R. Good gave an explanation of his reasons for again coming forward. He then went on to speak of the finances of the boroagh, advocating that permanent works required should be done gradually as funds permitted, and deprecating the idea of borrowing. He gave a history of the sinking of the artesian well, and thought much more money should not be spent on it without the consent of the ratepayers. He also spoke at some length on che Ashley bridge question, and thought it probable the .County Council would adopt the Counties Act aud carry out the work. Mr J. Manning briefly addressed the meeting, statins; that if elected he would do his best for the interests of tbe borough. Several questions were asked of the candidates, aud _ vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated an orderly meeting.