THE MAYORALTY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7079, 23 October 1884, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY.

TO THE EDITOB,

Sib, —It is evident that we are going to have three of tha city councillors as candidates for the honourable position of Mayor. Ido trust they will have the good sense not to commence their electioneering campaign too soon, as waa done last year. Surely one meeting in each ward ought to be quite sufficient for the aspirants to the higheßt civic office to explain thoir views on the leading public questions, and afford ample opportunity to the ratopayerß to ask any question in connection with the city. I have taken an active part in public matters for the laßt 20 years, and felt really sorry to Bea the candidates on the last occasion going to so much expense in order to win the day. lam informed on the best authority that Mr Street expended over £300, and Mr Spedding almost as much, during the last election. It is no wonder, therefore, that our Mayors are not very favourably known for their hospitality, when nearly all the honorarium allowed them h&s been spent before they assume the reins of office. It would be much better, I consider, for all concerned were the candidates to appeal to the ratepayers more by thoughtful and wellconsidered addresses than trying to catch votes through the instrumentality of paid canvassers and other more objectionable ways. Thoir past services ought to stand them in good stead if they have proved themselves useful councillors. Were this rational and dignified course adopted the Mayor would then be in a position, without trenching too much on his private meanß, to give, say, a fancy ball to the leading citizens, and that would naturally lead to a complimentary ball being given to the Mayor in return. A little reflection will convince anyone that such such a course (which is adopted by the Mayors of Melbourne and many other large cities) would give a great impetus to trade in many wayß, besides tending to bring about more Bocial friendship among all sections of the community. I advocate this with all the more aßßurance as I never go to a ball myself; but that is no reason why other people should not enjoy themselves in this manner if they feel so inclined. My advice is, therefore, for the candidates to have a common understanding, so that they need not prolong the agony of the election more than is needful; for laßt year the speechea and addresses were so overdone that really the ratepayers, and I fancy the candidates themselves, must have been heartily sick of the whole affair lonp before the polling-day, —I am, &c, . OoTAaON, October 21.