MR M'DONALD’S “MODESTY.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20704, 30 April 1929, Page 9

MR M'DONALD’S “MODESTY.”

CO tHB GDITOK. Sib, —ili' John M‘Donald, mayoral candidate, has certainly no need to pray that gnid conceit o' himsel should be given him. As a performer on his own trumpet ha is entitled to first place among the foui would-be wearers of the ermine, but the electors need scarcely be urged to bear in mind that “it isn’t the strength of the blast that counts, but only ‘ what is the tune’!” “Surely,” asks Mr M'D uald with tears in his pen. “you •do not for a moment suggest th i 1 cannot reasonably compare favourably with past Mayors in this respect”—meaning the presiding at social functions. Well, 20 years is a long time ago, and we forget, but. granted f Mr M'Donald was then a bright particular social star, and granted also that he is (as he has always claimed to be) a “ good sport,” would it not be a fair thing if having had his opportunity and shone resplendent for a season, he gave another man a chance to sit in ermine, chain, and the spotlight? And besides, I am told that the social obligations of a mayo, {especially in the Mayor’s room) have changed since pi. ar days. 80 much for the social aspect. Next, Mr M'Donald says: “The magnitu-’ and diversity of the corporation’s activities are such as to demand the attention of the best bus' -ss men available nd lam fully convinced that, if th Mayor wishes to carry out his duties properlv. he must have a thorough knowledge of all the details. , .” Again I say, 20 years is a long time, and Mr M'Donald can scarcely have spared the time from his multitudinous business affairs to keep up to date in civic affairs while being out of direct touch with them, and does Mi M Donald suggest that neither of his opponents is capable of ' an intelligent interest ” in the business side of the Mayor’s duties? " or that neither of them has a “fair knowledge of the work de manded of the corporation officers? ” 'e thinks the trumpeter doth blast jverloudly here, Finally, Mr M'Douald states that the "* ■ tepayers' Association has refrained from nominating a councillor for the chair. If 1 am not mistaken, it endeavoured to fret Mr Don-’ find Mi M'Donald to retire, the former consenting and the latter declining, and that it then suggested to the ratepayers that th ir best choice would be either Cr Black' or Cr Hayward. Docs this not constitute a preference? Mr M'Donald would be well advised to nse a mute next time he blows his trumpet, and also to keep to the correct notes. —I am, etc.. Musical Ear.