M.P OR MAYOR?

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 38, 13 August 1921, Page 6

M.P OR MAYOR?

TO IBS|BDITOH

Sir, —Your correspondent, "Who's Wrong," hits the nail on the head in his remarks as to_ the Mayor being an. ,M.P. It might arise that his vote would be wanted ay the Government of which he is an ardent supporter, on a question of great importance to^flhe city. If ( her .votes, he must oppose one or the other; the decision might be awkward in view of a fature election. No man can <prbperly attend to two public duties. The whole of the civic aSairs have got into such a condition that the vrholo time of the Mayor ougltt to be given sotefjr to that. Does Being chairman at'». meeting identify himself with the matter for which the meeting is balled?— I am, «t0.,! .■ ■ ■ . '

FACING. BOTH WAYSi

lOtlh August,

Sir, —It is with astonishment that I■■ read \>y. your issue* of yesterday's date that Mr. It. A. Wright, M.P., Mayor of Wellington, had refused to take the chair at a public meeting to be addressed by Mr. Statham, M.P., leader of the new party. As a private member, I, and every intelligent citizen, know quite well where the Mayor etands as regards politics. Bat am I!right in saying that it was the bounden duty of Mr. Wright as our First Citizen to take the chair at this meeting, to be addressed by a reputable citizen like Mr. Statham, who is not only a- visitor to our city, but leader of the new party? ,If I am wrong in assuming that it is the duty of the Mayor to take the chair on such an occasion, I would like to be put right—l am, etc.,

WORKER.

Sir,—Your correspondent, "Who's Wrong," writing on the attitude taken up by the Mayor with regard to the question, of taking the chair for the new party at its public meeting in the Town Hall on the 24th, remarks that Mr. Wright aa Mayor represents a population of just under 100,000, and as M.P. for Suburbs about 20,000 electors. We know "Who's Wrong"—your correspondent. As L Mayor he represents the 13,456 citizens who voted for him out of a poll of 39,533; and, as M.P. for Suburbs, he represents the Reform interests only on a minority vote, namely, 4091 electors from & total poll of 9233. The total number 60. the roll for this electorate at last election was 11,595. From the point of view of true representation, I think he should preside at this meeting as the Chief Magistrate of the city; and as a member of the House, the majorityi of electors must be with him, as only 4000 Reformites (if there 1 are any left) could take exception to this act of courtesy.—l am, etc.,

S'QUABE DEAL.

[We have received several other letters to the same effect.—Ed.] /