THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Southland Times, Issue 17918, 25 April 1917, Page 6

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

To the Editor

Sir, —As 1 have been attacked so frequently in tlie columns of your paper, and, as an advertiser 1 have paid you a fair amount of money to swell the coffers of the Southland Times Co., 1 think that it is only fair to ask for some space in my defence. You have consistently opposed my election on eacli occasion on which 1 stood, but despite that fact I have remained on top, as I will continue to remain after the' elections to-morrow. Yon have never spared yourself in the matter of "pouring the acid on me.” Why you have done so 1 do not know, but 1 have never been able to understand it. The queer kink that you have shown in this direction has for long been a matter for ridicule in this town, and as Councillor O'Byrne stated in a letter which appeared over his signature, you have seldom or never “backed a winner.” It is no use you going on like that. It is not fair to yourself nor to me. At heart, I believe you have always liked me, and I have had always the greatest appreciation and kindliness for your paper. Do not back “the wrong horse” any longer. ' In reference to my meeting to-night, it had been arranged between and the Labour candidates that I Should preside at a meeting held by them at which the Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C., would be present, and at which he was unable to attend. The culmination was the meeting I am holding to-night, in order to keep faith with the Labour candidates. I know quite well the harsh words, the antagonism, the bitter sarcasm that has been used towards me since I have been in the Mayoral position; but I have always endeavoured to do my best, without fear or favour, and I feel assured that, as I promised all the boys, who are unto me as sons of my own, that I will be Mayor of Invercargill when they return, notwithstanding the efforts made by members of the citizens’ ticket —a peculiar class of people.—l am, etc., D. MCFARLANE. April 24 th.