Mr. Piper's Indignation.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 May 1910, Page 4

Mr. Piper's Indignation.

A MAYORAL ELECTION

INCIDENT

Mr Jesse Piper, the unsuccessful candidate for tho Nelson mayoralty, took his defeat badly. Ho spoke with heat, and his opponent Jiad to appeal for a fair hearing for him. Mr Piper's speech, as reported in tho Colonist, was as follows:—" The ratepayers would yet and out whether it was to their interest or not to elect him. He had a right to say that. (Uproar.) 'I have served you faithfully/ ho continued, 'for the last 20 years, and now you have given me the cold shoulder. Never mind, it's your loss. I know very well what I have been doing has been for your interest. The man j-ou have chosen has not been to your interest. (Voices: Rot.) It is not rot. Hβ has been in the interest of contractors. (Uproar.) You have chosen him and you must suffer. I defy you to prove that anything I have ever done has not been right. (Voice: Take it like a man.) I have had the support of the Council for many years, and I have had the support of many good men.' For a few minutes Mr Piper's further remarks were inaudible, owing to uproar. He declared that they would not frighten him with their howling, and said the electors would have to suffer for electing the either candidate, not him. He had lived long enough in Nelson to know what a man was, and he wished illiem joy in their choice. (Cheers.) He had said what he had to say. He had served them for 20 years, but they could 'have their man. (Voice: We have.) Mr Piper's concluding remarks were inaudible in the uproar." Mr Pettit, who was elected by a majority of 211 votes, delivered an appropriate address, and was loudly cheered. There has been a good deal of controversy of late over public works in, Nelson, and it was held that the result of the 'election was a vindication of the attitude adopted by the councillors who have laitterly been in the minority, and of the policy of the Council prior to the establisliment of the late regime. Mr Piper Was elected Mayor in 190G, and has held the office until this week's election.