THE RE-ELECTION OF THE MAYOR

Evening Post, Volume LXIII, Issue 90, 16 April 1902, Page 4

THE RE-ELECTION OF THE MAYOR

We congratulate the city and Mr. John Aitken upon the unopposed election to-day of that gentleman to tlie honourable and responsible office of Mayor of the city. This means that his Worship has for three successive terms been chosen Chief Magistrate of the city, which may be taken as assurance of deserving on the one side and appreciation on the other. For our part, we view tiie extension of Mr. Aitken's term of ofilee with the greatest satisfaction, not only because the distinction has been worthijjbestowed, but from consideration for the welfare of the city, the affairs of, which, at the preaont juncture, mako continuity in office of the present Mayor a matter of the highest importance. Large schemes of municipal reform have been authorised, but are yet to be carried out, and there are not wanting signs of coming obstacles to their completion that may prove difficult of removal. Mr. Aitken may be implicitly trusted to fight constantly, untiriirgly, and honestly for the municipalisation of the most important of our public services— the tramways — upon the lines already authorised ; but there is reason to suppose that a powerful syndicate, *not without influential local support, is on the alert to obtain concessions that would practically make the new electric tramways a syndicate monopoly. This is one excellent reason why Mr. Aitkeu should remain in office, apart from the high public spirit, untiring industiy, and unflinching honesty that have always characterised his service to the city. We hope that he may remain in office at least long enough to witness the completion of the electric tramway system as the absolute propwtj of the municipality.