THE MAYORALTY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13933, 15 December 1905, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY.

Thebe is no special reason why the selection of a Mayor for the city should bo discussed just now, unless it is that Mr C. M. Gray's election to the House of Representatives has made the question one of interest. Mr Gray, we understand, has no desire to' combine municipal administration with his parliamentary work. But in any case the matter must come up for review early next year, and there can be- no harm in mentioning it well in advance. There have been- several occasions during the past decade when the mayoralty was invested with a special importance, and a& next year will be exhibition year the city should be anxious to have its municipal work particularly well done. In Jubilee year and in the following terms the city was fortunate in having Mr W. Reeoe, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes and the Hon H. F. Wigram to represent it, and all three have left the mark of their abilities, thenenergy and their enthusiasm on the government of Christchurch. Next year the social sids of the _ office will be perhaps more important even than the municipal side, but of course we cannot have the. city .administration neglected, and the gentleman selected must be prepared to give his energies to the business of the city as well, as to the social duties of the mayoralty. It is rather unfortunate that we cannot always command the services of men of keen business instincts, wide ideas .and courage to direct our -minii-cip-ar government. Certainly tho excursions, outside the ranks of the men who are commonly concerned in City Council work have proved profitable to the city, and we cannot regret that there is again a special reason for looking a little beyond the Council Chamber for our Chief Magistrate, it is encouraging to remember that our preyiouA ventures in this direction have

been entirely successful, and we liopo that by the beginning of the new year the matter of the mayoralty for tho ensuing term will be, to all intents and purposes, satisfactorily settled.