MAYORAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15736, 12 April 1913, Page 12

MAYORAL ELECTION

CR DOWNIE STEWART,

Cr Dowhie Stewart addressed the electors of Central Ward at the Russell Street Mission Hall last evening, Mr T. Seott occupied the chair, and stated that he had sat for some years in the council with Cr Stewart and could testify to his fine grasp of municipal affairs, and more especially to the excellent work that had been done by the candidate on the committees of,which ho had been a member. He considered that it was of the utmost importance at the present time that the. citizens should have as their Mayor a person who had a sound appreciation of the great financial concerns of the corporation. Cr Stewart said that it was recognised on all hands that all problems of government, both national and municipal, were at bottom financial problems. While, therefore, it was of the utmost importance to sco that their municipal undertakings were built up on progressive lines, it was still more important to see that the .financial condition of these concerns should comply with the highest standards. He illustrated the importance of these considerations by showing what difficulties some English cities had involved themselves in by making a false estimate of what constituted true profits in their trading concerns. He gave a rapid review of the steps that had been taken in the City Council to ensure that no such blunder should occur here. The various policy questions 'that had occupied the council in recent times, more particularly with regard to public works and street construction, were emphasised, and a general view of the city's prospects and possibilities concluded an interesting address. • Various questions affecting the reserves and the trading concerns were answered, and, on the motion of Mr R. T. Stewart, seconded by Mr T. Hore, a resolution was unanimously carried expressing entire confidence in Cr Stewart as a fit and proper person to be elected as Mayor of the city. CR J. B. SHAGKLOCK. Despite the wretched weather there was a capital attendance at tlie Howe Street Hall last evening. Mr J. H. Wilkinson, who presided, referred to Cr Shacklock's connection with municipal and public affairs for upwards of 16 yeaTs, and to the fact that the speakci- for the evening not only had considerable business interests throughout the dominion, but his commercial training ' would enable him to readily grasp matters municipal. Cr Shacklock gave a general address on municipal matters, and made reference to items of special concern to Leith Wardpossibly the most important ward in the city. He congratulated them on the fact that street widening, so necessary in some parts, was not required in that portion of the town. Several questions were answered, after which a hearty vote of thanks and confidence, proposed by Mr H„ I. M. Ross and seconded by. Mr' Rule, was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks closed a successful meeting.