THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 15477, 27 April 1914, Page 7

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

CO THE EDITOR. Sir, —li has been brought pointedly tinder my notice that at tiie eleventh hour, as it ware, the despicable method is being employed by irresponsible persons —lor I frankly acquit any of my fellowcandidates of harboring even a suspicion of employing each contemptible ""tactics — of imparting -religions feeling into llie JMteeenV contest for the City mayoralty. The story told to me ot influence having been improperly exewsbed by the Church to which I am proud to belong was of such a circumstantial character that I at once got in touch with the business firm said to haw been concerned, and I am authorised by the responsible bead thereof to gjf» the Statement referred to the most unqualified contradiction. That such nn occurrence as was alleged to have oceurred never took place did not surprise me in the least, because during my long Msadfloce in Dunedin I have nexet known of any undue pressure being brought dj sny Church either on candidates of my own belief or on any business houses or employees therein to vote for a particular <-arididate for municipal or public honors. But the circulation* of such canards only shows to what lengths unprincipled parsons will allow themselves to be carried in times of political excitement. I have, however, such complete confidence in the good faith and Tight appreciation of my tellow-citizens that I feel warranted in saying that when casting: their ballots ra Wednesday they will dismiss with contempt any suggestion of so unworthy a kind, which could only have been manufactured for an unworthy but obvious purpose.—-I am, etc., James J. Maeiow.

head of the business house alluded t'i .. Cr Marlow has requested us to say that the story put in circulation of pressure having been put on him by the Rootan Catholic clergy is a " mischievous concoction." He declares that neither Roman Catholic clergyman nor tho minister >l anv Other denomination has ever called >n him for such a purpose. And, knowing ibe gentleman as well as we do, we are luite satisfied that an interview of such a aature, if it had ever taken place, would lave been of the verv briefest duration.— Ed. E.S.] TO TIIE EDFTOK. Sir, —Tour correspondent •'Memory" seeks •to secure support for Mr J. B. Shaddock because he stood down for Mr J. Wilson two vears ago. " Memory" forgets that Cr Marlow offered last year to stand down this, year if Cr Shacklock would withdraw and" let it be a straightout go between Mr W. D. Stewart and Mr W. Belcher. Mr Shaddock preferred ta take his chance then. He cannot have his cake and eat it too. —I am. etc., Betteb Mbmokt. April 27.