THE MAYOR AND HIS MAGPIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22654, 20 August 1935, Page 12

THE MAYOR AND HIS MAGPIES

TO XIIE EDITOR Sir, —Let me assure “Just a Vote,” who hails from Kaitangata, that our Mayor is just the man to prescribe the particular ■ brand of political eyewash to soothe the moods of the people of Clutha —he has several brands. Introducing Mr Ransom in Dupedin last week he warned him that “he would no doubt have some difficulty in making the city people appreciate the Government’s action in taking £14,000,000 from the citizens for the farmers.” A large portion of his audience consisted of what he later described as “ magpies.” Introducing Mr Semple on the following evening he entertained the faithful with some introductory remarks about the “ remarkable ignorance ” and “ colossal stupidity” of the present Government and pi’eseuted for exhibition “ two heroic M.P.’s.” There ere some old-fashioned people in Dunedin who really believe that a Mayor chairman should not be a violent partisan. But then, of course, they do not appreciate Mr Cox’s playful ways. Introducing Mr Forbes in Dunedin a few months ago Mr Cox lined him up with the big men of the past and said they might hope that in future years Mr Forbes might be reckoned as “the man who out of catastrophic desolation, had led New Zealand into a state of solidity and progress, restored the unemployed to industry, and brought prosperity to the country.” Mr Cox was then just Mayor and had not left the pulpit for the political platform. Unless I am mistaken he had not sworn allegiance to the Labour Party. In Clutha Mr Cox will promise the people guaranteed prices for primary products. When he becomes their member 6d to 7d per lb for butter-fat will be a thing of the past. It will be no longer necessary for dairy farmers to “ slog along from 5 a.m. to 8 or 9 p-m.” The cows will be educated to turn on the milk when it is convenient to relieve them of it. Cream will keep indefinitely and may be taken to the factory at the dairy farmer’s convenience. “ Just a Vote ” assures me that Mr Cox will return after his election for Clutha, not with magpies, but as M.P. He succeeded in “ pulling the wool ” over the eyes of the workers of Dunedin. Doubtless he was surprised at the credulity dis-

played and now reckons that the people of' Clutha are not more' astute than theelectors of Dunedlp. - If he is‘right in-his assumption he will be able do' add another famous Australian bird to his aviary, but some difficulty may be experienced in getting the magpies to agree with the jackasses. —I am, etc.,' ' Dunedin, August 19. DIOQENES.