THE MAYORAL ELECTION

Evening Star, Issue 20779, 29 April 1931, Page 11

THE MAYORAL ELECTION

GR SCOTT’S CANDIDATURE Cr W. A, Scott was given another very cordial reception last night when the Mornington Presbyterian Hall was crowded to the doors to hear his address in support of his candidature for the mayoralty. ‘ Mr J. W. Patton was in the chair, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the candidate, whom he had known for thirty-five years as a keen business man and an honourable citizen. Cr Scott reviewed the activities of a number of the trading concerns and other municipal departments with which ho had been associated during his nineteen years as a councillor, and then briefly referred to certain statements made by his opponent which he (Cr Scott) considered to bo inaccurate. In refutation of one of these ho quoted extracts from the council’s minutes in connection with the inauguration of its insurance scheme. These extracts showed that ho had not, as Mr Black had declared, voted in favour of the insurance scheme being deferred, but that he had been instrumental in having a report brought forward by the Finance Committee, and had actually moved that the council carry its own accident risk, and that tho Finance Committee’s report should , outline a scheme whereby 50 per cent, of the fire risk should also bo carried. Cr F. W. Mitchell also briefly addressed the meeting on the subjects of roads, unemployment, unimproved value rating, and the_ library. Cr Scott having replied to a number of questions, dealing mainly with local tramway matters, Mr A. Read moved a vote of thanks to and confidence in tho candidate. This was seconded by Mr J. Torrance, supported by other members of tho audience, and carried with enthusiasm and without a dissentient voice. HR BLACK’S CANDIDATURE At Coronation Hall, Maori Hill, last night a largo audience listened attentively to an address by Mr R. S. Black. Cr H. C. Campbell presided. Mr Black stressed the benefit to New Zealand that would accrue from the reduction of the rate of interest, and illustrated how a reduction of 1 per cent, would force money into trade, and thus reduce unemployment. On the insurance scheme he voiced tho opinion that the amount paid as premium should bo earmarked for helping the unemployed during tho present crisis, Mr Black also pointed out that tho renewal funds were in a very healthy state, and it would not affect their stability by withholding £5)000 for the next two years, this money to be used in a reduction, of rates. At the conclusion of the address many questions were satisfactorily answered. Mr R. Hill moved a vote of confidence in Mr Black. This wris seconded by Mr White, late secretary of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, who referred to Mr Black’s strenuous term of office occasioned by distress and unemployment. He said he had met Mr Black on numerous occasions in the course of his duties, and felt that His Worship had at all times given his best to all sections of the community.