CITY COUNCIL BYELECTION.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16849, 1 June 1920, Page 7

CITY COUNCIL BYELECTION.

1 r UNFAIR TACTICS ALLEGED. In regard to the by-election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the late Cr. Nicholls. there seems-to bo a feeling in well-informed circles that the Labour Representation Committee has not "played the game.'' As is usually understood when there are divided parties on public bodies that a vacancy caused by the deatli or resignation of a member, is filled by the nominee of that party to avoid the expense of an election, and when H. Hunter, a Lahnir member, lost liis seat owing to seditious utterances in contravention of the war regulations, the Citizens' Association quite properly did not nominate-anyone to fill the vacancy, but allowed the seat to go_ to the Labour Representation Committee's nominee without opposition. It was, therefore, expected when Cr. Nicholls passed away, that the Citizens' Associatidn would be permitted to fill the vacancy caused by his death without opposition, instead of which they are now opposed by an accredited representative of the Labour Committee. We aro sure our readers will show their disapproval of such tactics by voting solid for Mr Edgar Stead to-day, and thereby returning a man whose abilities render him particularly capable of serving the citizens well. Those who have Been something of - Mr Stead's interest in the preservation of native fauna and flora too, will realise that his wide experience would bo of great assistance in preserving the natural beauties of our city. 5