NO AUDIENCE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25346, 20 November 1947, Page 5

NO AUDIENCE

POST-ELECTION SPEECHES ABANDONED

Not one elector was waiting outside the municipal offices at 11 p.m. when the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) and the Labour candidate (Mr D. Barnes) met. Mr M. E. Lyons (Independent) was not present. The customary postelection speeches were abandoned. “I was quietly confident I could again win the mayoralty and I can only repeat my promise oi three years ago that I will do my utmost to represent all the citizens, irrespective of class, creed or politics,” said Mr Andrews. “I specially thank Mr Barnes for his conduct of the campaign. I expressed the hope that there would be no recriminations or personalities, and as far as Mr Barnes was concerned, there were none. Unfortunately Mr Lyons did indulge to some extent, probably to his own detriment.” Mr Andrews expressed his regret that the valuable services of Mr Lyons to the city as a councillor were being lost. He said Mr Lyons elected to stand against his own party affiliations, and the result had been the same as had so frequently happened in the past. A tribute had to be paid to the great services given by Mr Lyons to the city, yet he regretted that Mr Lyons had not seen his way to accept the decision of the Citizens’ Association and the numerous requests that he should still offer his services. ‘‘May I express my gratitude for the confidence reposed in me again by the citizens,” Mr Andrews concluded. ‘‘l can assure them of my continued efforts for the advancement and progress of our beautiful city.” “First of all I think the disaster that has occurred in Christchurch overshadowed the election, and I hasten to express my deepest sympathy with the relatives.” said Mr Barnes. “I congratulate Mr Andrews and wish him every success during the next three years. During the campaign, I had the pleasure of meeting many people. Although as far as I am personally concerned, I did not care two hoots whether or not I was elected, I regret that my party has been defeated.”