THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 138, 13 May 1941, Page 4

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Why do we want a change of Mayor? Mr Tcnncnt’s reply to this 1 take it would be that a change of personality is all to the good lor Palmerston North. The people of this city as a whole have seen for themselves during the years of office- ot I the present Mayor that there has been litilt; to complain of as regards the administration of the city’s affairs and the general welfare of its citizens. I suppose Mr Tcnncnt’s real reason as to change of Mayor would be, “You got out and I’ll got in because I have personality.” Now, providing lie does not hold the copyright, what’s the matter with Mr Mansford’s personality? However, wo have another candidate for the chair (Mr C. It- Murphy) and him we can sympathise with to a certain extent because he seems to have been pitchforked into the contest at the eleventh hour. Of course, only the Mayor's seat is goi\l enough in this instance—no going through the routine as a councillor and gaining some .knowledge of the municipal duties necessary for the position' aspired to. But no doubt the other councillors will he only too pleased to help and advise him so as to hold the position of chief magistrate of Palmerston North. — I am, etc., C.D.

Palmerston North, 13/5/41. (To the Editor.) Sir,-—The recent heavy rains and i sultry heat of the Alayoral contest have produced a heavy crop of apparent “anti-Labour nom-de-p.umites.” Air Murphy now seems to be an unforgivable fly in The ointment and the focal point for the opposition’s heavy artillery. To ensure Air Murphy's complete annihilation, some corres- ! pondents, posing as wizards of democracy, arc requesting that otic of the “big two” stand down so that this desirable end might be achieved. Why is it that when a worthy son of toil from the rank and file of Labour comes forward to play a serious part in civic and national affairs there is always a hullabaloo as to his ability and capacI ity lo do flic job? The parrot cry is Ithat Air Alurpliy has had no experience in municipal administration. What of that? Precedents have been • established. To digress a moment, our I Minister of Defence (Hon. E. Jones) |is not a so'dicr, but who. competent Ito judge, would say that lie is not carrying out his task faithfully and efficiently? Other wiseacres suggest that a change in personality is all that is needed to dou flic Alayoral | robes, the present policy being satisi factory and to remain. If. ihe present ! policy is satisfactory and sound, is the i new personality lo be merely a reflex of perfection? It a change is needed jin personality why not a change in ; policy? Surely there is room for it, | and in Air Murphy we have a personality with that happy combination. T have known Mr Alurpliy’for a number of years now and I am confident his -broad, thorough, and analytical mind 1 and born leadership would lie equal to | any Alayoral duty or council administration. When T register my vote on Saturday next for Mr Alurphv and his ;colleagues I shall do so with a. full | sense of responsibility and civic pride, [knowing that if they arc elected, the decorum, dignity and efficiency of the Mayoral chair and council will not in anv degree l>c impaired and that one [and all will give a good account of I themselves. —1 am, etc.. T. HOE. Palmerston North, 12/5,41. ! (To flic Editor.)

Sir, — In the mass ci' correspondence relevant and otherwise the real issues in the municipal election are apt to become obscured. The tacts arc simple. Citizens are called upon to make a choice us to who will conduct the city’s affairs during the next three years, which in all probability will be a difficult period, under the circumstances it surely behoves every elector to make a wise choice. Now, as to the merits of the various candidates, it is the elector's duly to use his own discretion and not. be carried away by any catch cries. The political element should be kept beyond the Mayoral election. There is no doubt that Mr Mansford deserves the support of citizens generally, judged on past performance alone. He lias given of liis best in tlie interests of all, with a sympathetic understanding. Also, anything unworthy he has not entertained for a moment. That lie still lias considerable energy is evidenced by his rather crushing reply to his critics and his efforts in leading a good learn, resulting in a well ordered municipality. Mr Tonnent. also a very worthy citizen and a valued member of the City Council, could doubtless fill the position witji distinction, but he has not had the lengthy administrative experience of Mr Mansford. The Labour nominee (Mr Murphy) has had no experience in civic life as far as is known. Beyond being on various Labour Party committees, lie seems to have nothing in the way of experience to commend him for the position of Mayor. Far better to have aspired to a seat on the City Council, and having sat at the Icet of Gamaliel for a. term or two, lie would be better fitted and equipped for the job. Tn Mr Christensen’s eulogy it is mentioned that Mr Murphy was secretary of the Trades and Labour Committee. Is this the concern that desecrates the (Sabbath day by holding a picnic? If it is. the committee has nothing to be proud of in setting such a bad example to the rising generation. As for the lady candidates, it would be far better if they aspired to something more suitable than* City Council honours. What could Mr Mansford find them to do in any case? —I am, etc., J.M. Palmerston North, 12/.3/4L