THE MAYORALTY.

New Zealand Herald, 12 March 1901, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY.

There has been a general feeling amongst the citizens of Auckland lately that in view of the approaching visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, the oldest, most prominent, and most respected of our citizens should be elected to the office of Mayor. We need scarcely say that by the use of the above terms, .we mean Dr. John Logan Campbell. He occupies a position amongst us with which no other citizen can compete. He is unique in many respects. He came to Auckland before the site of the city was chosea. His office stands now where his teat; stood in 1840, the land having been purchased at the first Government sale. He was for a term Superintendent of the province of Auckland; he was one of the first members of the city in the House of Representatives, and also at one time was elected for Parnell. He has always taken an active part in the business of the city and in all its affairs.- He has been a trustee or director in almost every institution. He has been a liberal encourager of art and of everything that had for its object the advancement or adornment of the city. For the long period of upwards of sixty years he has been in and out amongst the citizens of Auckland, tried by every test that can be applied to a man. And we venture to say that no one can question his high sense of honour and his absolute rectitude in every relation of life. We can go further than that, and say that all those who know him personally will agree that for genial kindliness of disposition he could not be surpassed. Whether any special honours will be conferred in New Zealand on the occasion of the Duke of York's visit we do not know. But here is a time when the people of Auckland have it in their power to confer a great honour on a man who has unequalled claims upon them. Dr. Campbell's great age renders it impossible for him to discharge the whole of the duties pertaining to the office of Mayor, especially now when a number of enterprises have been entered into requiring close superintendence of detail. But the Act of last session provides for a Deputy-Mayor, and we are quite sure that the new councillors, whoever they may be, will be glad to relieve Dr. Campbell of every task which he might feel too burdensome for him at his years. As will' be seen by a report in another column, an influential deputation yesterday waited upon Dr. Campbell, and as a result it was understood that he agreed to stand if he were elected without opposition. A requisition is being signed asking Mr Witheford to come forward, and we understand that some of the gentlemen who saw Dr. Campbell subsequently interviewed Mr. Witheford with the object of requesting him to stand aside at this juncture. Mr. Witheford has not announced himself as a candidate, and is in no way committed to any body of electors. But it has been thought necessary to take this step, so that the field may be absolutely clear, and Dr. Campbell elected by the unanimous choice of the new constituency. Mr. Witheford promised to announce his decision in a day or two. By electing Dr. Campbell we shall be conferring the highest honour in our power. And we must also remember that in accepting the position he is making a sacrifice of much that at his time of life lie must, greatly value.