The Mayoral Election.

Southland Times, Issue 9383, 24 November 1886, Page 2

The Mayoral Election.

♦ TO THE EDITOB. Fkiend Editor— Wilt thee permit me to indite a few words on the election of Chief ( itizen to-morrow 1 Although it D 3 my custom to abstain from taking part in the heart, burnings, and other uncharitable things that pertain to electioneering contests, 1 feel that it would be equally unbecoming to allow Fri'.ud McDonaid'B good services dur« intj the year he has occupied the Mayoral Chair to paso unnotired. Friends David Boche, Robert Miller, and Willie Steel each thin keth that John Lj on deserves no credit for the successful floating of our municipal loan. This appeareth to me to be ingratitnde in the first degree. They decry John's services in connection therewith. FevertbeleßS and notwithstanding, thousands of pounds have been aaved to the ratepayers by the sound judgment displayed by John Lyon in the matter. They may be correct that he was not the first to moot *he subject of consolidating our municipal loans, nevertheless he was at least the first to act, and that goes for something. Being a man of peace I •simply agree to differ with David, Eobert and Willie when they say that John Lyon has no right to occupy the Mayoral chair next year. Peradveuture there is one little matter that requireth explanation. Twelve moaths ago Friends McDonald and Boche were candidates for the office of mayor. Ihe former advocated consolidation and the floating of a new loan. The public approve i, and it was unanimously decidtd to adopt the scheme. That eort of business was out of Friend David's line, and this kind of notice appeared in thy columns : — Tl/F AYOBAL ELECTION. Ladies and Gsxtlejien, — Whereas the floai ing of the new loan will involve a greater amount of time than I can afford to bestow on tlii business I beg to announce that I withdraw from the contest. Faithfully yours, DAVID BOCHE. Variouo interpretations might be put upon Friend Boche'a withdrawal. Mine was that he considered himself unequal to the occasion, and hence decided to let John have "a walk over" — and the hard work that followed. Wise in his generation hs now wanteth to have the management of the expenditure. After foouseiag tte subject tfcis is what appeareth to me. If Friend David could. n<jt spare the time from his private business to work out che details in connection with the floating of the loan, it follo*retn th.it it would be equally inconvenient, and become as serious a tax on his tim-3, to supervise its expenditure. To John Lyon belongeih in great measure the credit of getting the money on good terms, and it appoareth only fair that he should look after the spanding and cheque signing. Peradventure there will be another loan fbated shortly for the 2?ew Biver Harbour Board, and to Friend David might be given 'he honour of placing it on the London money marker, and of having afterwards the felicity and honour of superrising its expenditure. Verily, 1 think so. Tbine obliged, 'Bbtjbbn White. 23rd November, 1886.