THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 22783, 4 May 1931, Page 14

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR. * Sir, —Prom the attitude that the councillors arc taking it is quite apparent that Mr Black is not one of “the happy family.” For what reason? is it because be has achieved during his term of office what they had pronounced as impossible? His action in not agreeing with the Electric Power and Light Committee and in disregarding the city engineer’s opinions was the action of a strong man. Had the chairman of that committee acted in a like manner in 1924 the city would have been saved over £200,000, to say nothing of the many bags of cement that were allowed to “go west.” This achievement alone will stand to the credit of Mr Black for all time, and ns electors we should show our nppre l ciation.—l am, etc.. May 4. Cm- Er-ncron. , TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Many letters have found space in the Press regarding the two candidates for the mayoral sent. Both contestants have certainly worked, hard in the interests of the citizens. Mr Black has had many unpleasant situa-i tions to face, and has evidently done his best to handle them, but he has done no more than his duty as mayor. He has, however, had his term of office, and should adhere to his promise and stand down. Cr Scott, in spite of all the letters of criticism, has also served the city well and faithfully during his nineteen years as councillor, which also included membership of various municipal trading concerns. Surely during till those years he must have gained a wide experience in the handling of the city’s municipal affairs. Had he not proved competent, would he have retained his office as councillor for so long a term? When one considers these points there should he no hesitation in voting for Cr Scott for mayor. If after nineteen years of faithful service ho does not deserve to be returned as mayor, I would like to know who has a prior right.—l am, etc., May 4. Voting.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It seems to mo that Cr Scott is protesting overmuch about the rolling ofiice. Four past mayors—namely. Messrs Bogg, Douglas, Taverner, ami Taplcy—joined the council alter Cr Scott, and two of these gentlemen were elected unopposed. Surely if the “rolling office” had any value it was when these gentlemen stood that Cr Scott should have asserted his claim. Does Cr Scott think that if Mr Black had not been nominated he would have been elected unopposed ? It would take a long stretch of the imagination to believe this. As regards the “rolling office,” the electors will decide this matter, not Cr Scott. In comparatively recent years two mayors have been re-elected owing to exceptional circumstances. . Surely the present crisis through which we are passing is more exceptional than either of these. —I am, etc., Ratepayer. May 4.