SYDNEY LORD MAYORALTY

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 146, 18 December 1919, Page 6

SYDNEY LORD MAYORALTY

ANOTHER DEADLOCK.

(FROM OUR OWM CORRESPONDENT.)

SYDNEY, 10th December. Another deadlock has occurred in the election of Sydney's Lord Mayor, who is 'appointed every year by the aldermen. .There were 13 votes yesterday for each of the two candidates—Alderman R. W. Richards, the retiring Lord Mayor; who is known to New Zealanders as the gentleman who was for several years town clerk and engineer in" Dunedin; and Alderman Lambert, a wellknown Labour man. There are two parties in the City Council—the Civic Reformers, or moderates, who have 11 seats; and the Labour Party, which has a solid 13. Two Independents hold the balance of power.' Yesterday the Independents voted for Alderman Richards. There is more in this contest than meets the eye. It seeme to be Labour's turn to have a Lord Mayor—but the Prince of Wales is expected in Australia during the forthcoming year, and the modirates shudder at the possibilities involved in a Labour Lord Mayor welcoming Royalty to Sydney. Alderman Richards adds good personality and address to marked administrative ability although in justice to Alderman Lambert it must be said that lie is a moderate Labour man, also of good appearance and gentlemanly bearing. Alderman Richards is believed to cherish certain ambitions in connection with the Mayoralty this year. He is not likely to refuse a title, and his friends -were surprised that he did not got one ■an the occasion of the peace celebrations. If he is Mayor while the Prince is here the matter will be beyond doubt. Alderman Richards was Lord Mayor in 1914 and 1915, and he became Lord Mayor again in the past year when the Labour representative,- Lord Mayor English, died suddenly. Alderman Richards is closely connected by marriage with £>ir Samuel Hordern, head of the great house of Anthony Hordern and Sons.

When a deadlock occurs in the election of Mayor, the Stato Government is expected to make the appointment. In that event, the appointment of Mr. Richards is certain. But the City Council does not like to submit to the Government in this matter, and has adJGunred the election until next Tuesday, 16th December.