COLONEL MITCHELL

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12096, 25 March 1925, Page 6

COLONEL MITCHELL

Colonel Mitchell’s retirement from the Mayoral contest was unexpected, and is to be regretted. But a man who has bis way to make in the world cannot be forced to sacrifice himself on any altar of public service. Moreover, the colonel has already done his country service, far more than his share, if citizen duties were parcelled out among the King’s subjects. In the Great War he went forth with the best, rose early, and before the end attained, under the enemy’s fire, high rank and considerable distinction. His career since the war in peaceful avocation has brought him, thanks to his sterling qualities, to a high lsvel of public service, similar to his achievement in military service. Of him it can be easily said that he is a man whose worth, tested m the fire of war and political contest, entitled him to nourish high ambitions. But high ambition, when thus supported, deserves better rewards than the average recognition of war and politics., Wo congratulate this eniiiient public servant on his attainment of fair reward,. and hope that the day may come when he will be free to revert to his high ambition of public service.