THE MAYORALTY.

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1912, Page 5

THE MAYORALTY.

SPEECHES BY THE CANDIDATES

At the Town Hall last evening Mr. T. V. Byrne presided over a meeting addressed by Messrs Kerr and Kettle candiadtes for the Mayoralty. The chairman introduced the candidates and said they were well-known to the people of Greymouth. He would content himself with asking a patient hearing- for them. He the^n called, on Mr. Kerr to address the meeting. Mr. Kerr received a very warm reception and when the applause had subsided stated, that he had once before aspired to the position of Mayor. "Full of ambition he had decided to contest the election the following year, but had resigned owing" to the fatal accident that had befallen his opponent. (Applause) . On this occasion he was out to win. He had made a good canvas and had received promises of support in all directions. He at some length dealt with the financial position of the town and said that the past two years had been a period of halt. If; elected he promised to pursue a progressive policy, which would give the town more prosperity. He believed that the office administration could 'be improved. When the late Mr. Lord was Town Clerk and Engineer the salary was .£4OO. To-day it was ,£6OO with twu officers. If elected he would enquire into this. >M<r. Kerr made an appeal to the electors to support him as he was a native of the town and fully qualified to occupy the position. (Applause). Mr. W. R. Kettle received a very hearty reception. He said that as a successful business man he was willing to placet his services at the dis ing to place his scrvicef at *he disposal of the ' i rate- ! payers. He held that a Mayor should be a successful business man. He had filled )l ie office of Mayor previously and 'hia tuna had been successful. He agreed that the present council was a good one, but „ a competent Mayor should lead them. (Applause). He was confident in his election and would place himself in the hands of the ratepayers. , If elected he would do his utmpit to uphold the credit of the town. (Applause). Several questions were asked and answered satisfactorily. A vote of thanks to Mr. Byrne for presiding was carried with acclamation.

Councillor Sweetman presided at Mr. ] G. E .Perkins' meeting at the Opera House last night, which was well attended and the Mayor (Mr. Russell) was also on the platform. • Cr. Sweetman, in introducing the candidate, said it had been a pleasure i'o work alongside of Mr. Perkins on the Council. On behalf of the reform party he was glad that Councillor Perkins would help on the work of that party. Mr. Perkins, in the course of his address, said that there were only iwo platforms that a candidate could put .fonvard on an occasion like this namely —one. of economy and no special rates, or one of extravagance and special rates. He had no hesitation as to his platform. It was one of continued economy and no special rates. He said that the Borough finances were .£2,000 better than they we're twelve months ago and that the Bank overdraft could be wiped out in three years. - tie 'was sorry he opposed the last valuation, ijecaus© he was now convinced that ii placed everybody in Greymoutjh. on equality. He alluded to the absolute necessity for a gravitation .water scheme for Greymouth. The present water, he. said, was not fit for human consumption, and the sooner something was done in the matter the better tor all concerned. . The speaker appealed for a fair amount of support at the poll. He hoped he would be returned at its head . ) The Mjayor delivered an address on ifinan'ce and other municipal matters. Mr. Daniels, secretary to the Education Board, challenged the Mayor lo ! prove his statement that any certificated teacher had' been turned down by the Board. He (Mr. Daniels) offered to give £10 to the Hospital if Mr. Russell could cite one single instance in the last six years of a certificated teacher that had been turned down and an uncortificated teacher sent forward in preference, Mr. Russell to give £10 if he (the Mayor), was in the wrong. The Mayor asked Mr. Daniels to give the, names of the teachers sent forward for Cobden. . Mr. Daniels said that he had not got the' list of names with him-; but he added that there were no certificated applicants for the Cobden position, and he offered to. increase' the sum he would give to the Hospital to £20 or £30 if the Mayor could show that any certificated teacher had applied and was rejected for the position. „ The Mayor did not take up the challenge. He said that it was illegal to bet. : . Mr. Daniels: It is not a bet, but a deposit. " Take up the wager or withdraw the remarks. The- Mayor made an appeal to any teachers present to put him right if he was wrong ; but no teachers came forward, and the challenge remained unaccepted ♦. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.