VOTING FOR MAYORALTY

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31809, 14 October 1968, Page 1

VOTING FOR MAYORALTY

The pattern of voting for the mayoralty of Christchurch was obvious almost from the start of counting votes on Saturday night, and as the bigger polling places reported in the early lead established by Mr A. R. Guthrey (Citizens’ Association) increased steadily over Mr J. Mathison, M.P. (Labour Party).

The first results came in four minutes after the polls closed at 7 p.m., but it was about 10 p.m. before the election night result was given as: A. R. Guthrey 22,263 J. Mathison 12,774 Mr Guthrey had a majority at all but three of the 13 experimental polling places open during the week. The Sumner Town Hall gave Mr Mathison his biggest advant-age-—345 votes to 195. Mr Mathison got good support in the areas he repre-s-nts in Parliament; but in some areas where Labour traditionally noils well Mr Guthrey gained an advantage. At the Sydenham Library during the week Mr Guthrey gained 413 votes to Mr Mathison’s 428, but on Saturday at the same place Mr Guthrey with 144 w-as 10 ahead. After the result became known Mr Guthrey left a Citizens’ Association gathering at the Te Kura Lounge, the scene of a victory party and ironicallv the scene of the Labour Party’s social evening to begin its campaign, for the City Council office. He was met there and congratulated by Mr Mathison and bv Sir George Manning. Both candidates commented on the clean campaign. Swallowing his disappointment. Mr Mathison said he did not see the result in any way a reflection on Labour’s national policies. They also both thanked their organisations and those who had voted for them. Mr Guthrey said later that his organisation had been enthusiastic.

Mr Guthrey, has been a member of the City Council for 24 years. He is 52 and was bom in Hokitika. Commissioned in the field during the war, he was awarded the Military Cross in 1941 and was severely wounded.

He is the founder and managing director of A. R. Guth-

rey and Company, Ltd. He is a director of Air New Zealand and played a key part in the development of Christchurch Airport. In the last council he was chairman of the city development committee.