THE MAYORAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16985, 23 April 1917, Page 6

THE MAYORAL ELECTION

TO THE EDITOR. Sin,—When tho term of offico of Mavor was lor ono year only, tho man who sought unit position for a second temi was considered to bo wishing to monopolise that office, and had but little chance of being elected. Most men never attempted it, but gracefully stood down to allow another wolldeserving councillor a chance. Now that tlie term of office is two years it seems to mo to bo unfair for tho present Mayor to seel!: other two years and so deprive any other deserving councillor of his chance What inducement is there for a man to sacrifice often tho best years of Ids life and energy on behalf of tho citizens as council or if ho can sec no possible chance of obtaining a higher position? There are 18 councillors, and if each one elected as Mayor sought a second term and occupied the position four years, there would bo no possible ch;mco of 14 out of the 13 ever getting the opportunity of receiving .any recognition for his labour. I consider now that tho term is for two years no one should think of a second term.—l am, etc., An ex-Mayor. [Surely our. correspondent does not behove that it is only the hope of securing the Mayoral office, and not a disinterested desire to do the best he can for the sake of the city in the interests of the people as a whole, that leads a man to enter municipal life—Ed. O.D.T.] Sro,—Why will some of our municipal candidates, when addressing the ratepayers, persist in the questionable tactics of trying to mislead tho electors as to the actions of their opponents? The reason is perfectly obvious—viz., to belittle tho opponent, if possible. It is already well known that tho MaryhiU tram was stopped, not by tho casting vote of the Mayor, but by instructions from the Public Works Department, and yet Cr Green would have us believe that it was the casting vote of tho Mayor that brought about this most inconvenient and drastic measure. The whole committee, including Cr -Green, knew that the tram must stop when it did. The Mayor explained to the meeting in Mornington that tho division on the committee was upon the question of the hour at which traffic was to cease—viz., 7 p.m. or 11 p.m. The fcMayor, as a wise and prudent business man, had no option but to obey. the edict of the Public Works Department, thereby safeguarding the public as yit was his bounden duty to do. Mr Clark's action in this matter is further proof of his undisputed fitness for his re-election for a further term to the mayoral chair.—l am, etc., _ ~ . Maeyhill. Dunedm, April 21. Sir,—Mr Clark must by this time have realised that the opinion is very solid that, he is making a blunder in contesting the mayoral election a second time. He has had his reward for past services. Cr Green, who has a longer record of services, if ho is beaten, is "down and out." There is yet time for Mr Clark to retire. Even if he wins, it cannot bo much satisfaction to him.—l am, etc., An Elector. Dunedin, 21. Sir, —It is a pity so much mud-slinging is thought necessary by supporters of tho rival candidates for the mayoralty. The aspirants, Mr Clark and Mr Green, are intimate friends; each has a record as a citizen to be proud of; their own personal relationship has been most friendly. There-' fore. I am tempted 10 appeal to supporters of both candidates to refrain from action which tends only to stir up and create a discord that should not exist. Statements of a personal nature are being circulated in respect to both candidates 'outside of what wo read in the press columns. We havn enough, enemies within our ramp at the present time without creating a breach within our own kith and kin. Such methods are not, I am sure, countenanced by either Mr Clark or Mr Green, and the tendency of such action as I refer to is to evade the real point at issue. Let us be able to feel after the election that the contending parties, along with the defeated j candidate, can unite together and assist the elected Mayor with all their energies to do what we can to win this great war, to farewell and welcome home our bravo lads who are offering their lives for our freedom, and to see that they and theirs shall not want for the -future.

The points at ■ issue, I contend, are the following:—As in a democratic community, such as wo should be thankful for, any person who holds the necessary qualification has a perfect right to aspire for such position, ajid a democratic public will judge these rights with honour. Should the position be considered a "rolling office" as a reward for services rendered at the council table? Is there any question on municipal policy that has to' be decided and upon which the candidates differ? In the interest of our Empire or in connection with our part in the war, is a continuity of Mr Clark's services advisable? Would"the election of Mr Green to the office lead to a new inspiration or be detrimental to the part we all should play in assisting our Empire's cause? Should the' splendid work which, as we all recognise, Mr Clark has done in the past be rewarded with a further term of office? Should Mr Green's 46 years of public service, which must bo drawing nigh to a close, be equally reworded, all the_ foregoing questions being taken into consideration?

These, I contend, arc some of the standpoints from which tho electors should regard the election. In reviewing them. I express my own opinion that on this occasion we should allow Mr Green his opportunity, with • later rewards to my esteemed friend, the present Mayor.—l am. etc:, April '21. James S. Douglas.

Sir,—ln view of the fact that the,present Mayor (Mr Clark) has discharged his duties in a straightforward, manly way, more particularly with regard to his patriotic woik, it behoves the women especially to use thenutmost endeavours to place him again in the mayoral chair. Notwithstanding the multitudinous obligations that have confronted him in his position, the present Mayor has, on each and every occasion given patient and sympathetic .consideration to the cases of hardship and injustice that may have been brought under his notice. By his tact and words of sound advice- in these matters he has earned the deepest gratitude of not a few, including some of our returned heroes. Surely one jvho possesses such high qualifications is deserving of tho goodwill .%nd support of the electors who have the interest and well-being of our fair city at heart.—l am, etc., Pacts.