THE BOROUGH ELECTION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIIII, Issue 3625, 11 September 1912, Page 5

THE BOROUGH ELECTION

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The reading of that portion of Air. Sheridan’s letter in your issue this morning, where he v points out that Dr. Collins is not a ratepayer, and that he was very magnanimous with other people’s money (he having boasted in open Council that he would see the loan proposals through “if it cost half a million”), _ brings very vividly to niy mind an incident that occurred in connection with a Licensing Committee Election early in 1909. With your permission, I will relate the bald facts. At that time the Gisborne Borough Council received notice that an election was to take place in conformity with the Act, and that the Council would be called on to pay its quota if an election were found necessary. GY. Sheridan at that meeting suggested that the two parties interested-—the No-License League and the Licensed Victuallers’ Association—should confer, and select the number required (five) to constitute the Committee, and thus avoid the expense of an election, owing to the state of the Borough finances. (This was prior to the loan proposals being carried-.) The suggestion was endorsed unanimously, and the -rival parties met, the result being that the former body secured three candidates and the latter two, and there was general satisfaction that an election would be avoided. • But the Trades and Labor Council decided on contesting the election, but after a deputation had waited on that body, it was decided not to proceed, further. It was the effective arguments used by Air James East and Mr. (then Cr.) Jolin Somervell, that prevailed. The former gentleman pointed out that nothin— could he gained by the paitj in forcing an election unless they wished to alter the hours of closing from 10 to 11 o’clock and granting liquor licenses to racecourses, etc. lhe latter < r entlonian confined himself to the financial side of the question anc. pointed out the deplorable condition the Borough Council was in for want of funds, and that an election would cost the Borough £250, and that the Cook Countv Council and AA airoa County would also have a large amount to pav. The Trades Council vas congratulated on its action m withdrawing from the contest, and it >yas o-enerallv understood that no election would ensue. But lo and behold! when the nominations closed there appeared the names of Dr. Collins and another ex-Councillor, and while the Doctor and the ex-Councillor were not appreciated by the electors, in fact were soundly thrashed at the ballotbox the Borough Council had to part up £250. but as Dr. Collms was not a ratepayer, lie evidently lost no sleep over it—-I am, etc., EgT E ND. Gisborne, Sept. 10.