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New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 26

Considerable feeling exists (says a recent Melbourne “ Age ”-) among members of t-be Melbourne City Council at the peculiar method by which the dignity of Lord Mayor is being hawked round for acceptance by those Councillors who are considered to be eligible for the position. A certain coterie in the Council has constituted itself a kind of selection committee, and has gone about in a most unbecoming manner, asking various members if they would like to serve as Lord Mayor next year. Should the reply be in the negative, or in any way evasive, the next move is to canvass the Councillor concerned for his vote on behalf of a particular candidate. This is a huckstering way of choosing the chief magistrate of the city. One gentleman who was likely to have succeeded to the Lord Mayoral vacancy in November has withdrawn from the nomination, disgusted with the tactics that are being pursued. Why should not the choosing of the chief citizen be proceeded with in a manner worthy oi the office? Instead of all this button-holing and manoeuvring, let the City Council meet in private, and by means of a ballot decide who s shall be the Lord Mayor for the ensuing year. That will prevent any misunderstanding; it will avoid an unseemly squabble for a dignity that ought to command the highest respect.