THE ELECTION OF MAYOR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6492, 11 April 1908, Page 9

THE ELECTION OF MAYOR.

Sir, Elections arc now, I behove, conducted through the ballot-box. If so, there is evidently something wrong with the Act, or why should young ladies be allowed to make a house to house canvass for any particular candidate. I received a call the other day from two rather pretty, well-dressed young ladies, who (sic) on answering the summons of a knock at the door, said they wanted to know who the people of the house were going to vole for as Mayor. Finding out that they were canvassing for Mr Aitkon, and being, like most men (so the women say), so contrary, I led them on by taking up Mr ilislop J 9 side. They wanted to know why I supported the latter, and asked other pertinent questions. I told them I thought Mr Hislop the belter man of tho two. After arguing the point a little while, they departed, not too well pleased, and making a note of the result. Where docs the secrecy of the ballot come in ? I think it is a piece of impertinence to ask such questions. I had not up till then given 4 the matter much consideration, not being greatly interested, but on resuming my seat I put two and two together, and concluded that Mr Hislop was the better man of the two. Mr Aitken had over five years of office, and I cannot recall to mind anything great that he did, Mr Hislop has had three busy years of office, and haa done exceedingly well for the city as far as I can judge. Although I do not agree with one or two persons monopolising the office, I think that *Mr Hislop should have another year, during which, he may carry on the important works ho has in hand, via*. : tho municipalisation of the gas supply. Kclbnrno tramway, public markets, milk supply, etc. Again, it is objectionable that a Mayor should bo also a member of Parliament, as ho cannot do justice to the two positions, and why should we put all the plums in one cako ? If it is necessary to have a change, why not have new blood, .and not a continuance of old hands? Surely there are many old councillors who deservo promotion capable of holding the office. Besides, at present we have a worthy and hard-working Mayoress, and if we change our Mayor we lose that useful assistant in civic affairs.—l am, etc., 4 PATER. April 10th.