MAYORAL ELECTIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 92, 18 April 1912, Page 5

MAYORAL ELECTIONS.

MR KIRKWOOD’S CANDIDATURE A deputation of considerable size waited on Air. W. P. Kirkwood this morning, with the following requisition, signed by some forty representative business men:—“We, the undersigned electors of Stratford, are of the opinion that it would be oi the best interests of our town if you c. j sent to contest the Mayoralty, and to that end herewith petition that you will allow yourself to be nominated for the office. Should you decide ‘to accede to this request we pledge ourse'ves to do our utmost to secure your election.” Mr. Kirkwood thanked the deputation, and informed them that he would meet their wishes and would ccnsent to contest the Mayoralty. THE ADDRESSES. We understand that Mr. McAllister will address the on Monday evening, and that Air. Kirkwood will follow suit the next evening. Both addresses will be given in the Town Hall. Mr. Morison has “pencilled” Tuesday, and reserves the right to make any statement he chooses. STATEMENT BY AIR. MORISON. A representative of the “Stratford Evening Post” waited on Air. R. AIcK. Morison this morning, and asked him if he would care to g ve some statement to the Press, with regard to his withdrawal from the contest at the last moment. Mr, Morison explained that the position was rather a delicate one. He might say that when he made the announcement of his intention to contest the Alayorait • from the platform of the Town Hail Air. McAllister had not announced that he(Mr. McAllister) was to be m the running. Furthermore, a previous conversation ,he had had witn Air. McAllister had led him to believe thajt the exact opposite was Mr. AlcAllister s intention’. Air. McAllister had told him few days ago that there was no one W would rather see in the position of Mayor than himself (Mr Morison). also that he considered that there was no one on the Council more entitled to ihat position. Mr. AlcAllister added, chat it was not desirable that representatives of the trade should be the “chief magistrate” of Stratford. In laying his position before All AlcAllister, Air. Alorison wrote to him after first quoting the conversation referred to, Air. Alorison wrote: “Now. as you know I have always oeen most loyal to that section of our community who are of this way of thinking, and I have always been, and trust always will be, on the side of those who by'their Christian life and conduct tend to elevate society. I have looked on you as a friend, and thought it was reciprocal: And now, without any further mention of your views having changed, or your opinion of me having altered, you at one blow practical!.' make it impossible to put the ideals of those we have been associated with, into practice, unless one of us retire, which no one at this late ho.-r should lie asked to do. However, to shov. that 1 can still be loyal to tho priucioles above mentioned, lather than seek the fulfilment of my own ambition, I will not contest the seat.” Air. Alorison added that a deputation waited on him this morning, and he acquainted them with the contents of tho letter referred to. They expressed the opinion that he bad acted well in tho matter, and comp lime nJU-v aim upon the stand ho had taken. Mr. Alorison further stated that In' made this statement now, because he had no wish to placei Mr. McAllister in a wrong position, but ivished to give him ample opportunity to explain the position at his meeting on Monday evening, or as soon as he pleased.

Masterton. —Mr J. M. Cnrackne, thy sitting Mayor, and Mr T. Hoai, until recently a councillor, have been nominated for the Mayoralty. Nelson.—Mr T. A. H. Fiexd, the retiring Mayor of the city, has been reelected unopposed. Christchurch.—Mr J. J. Dorgall, the present Mayor, Dr. Thacker, and Mr H. Holland (Labour). Woolston.—Mr McGregor Wright was re-elected unopposed. Lyttelton.—Mr u. Miller (the present Mayor) and Councillor W. T. LesteSpreydon.—Mr W. R. Gahapan and Mr G. R. Whiting (Labour). Pahiatua. —Mr Vv. W. McCardley, re-elected unopposed. Blenheim. —For the May ora y Councillors J. J. Corry, J. J. White and C J. W. Griffiths have been nominated. Mr Penny, the retiring Mayor, declined nomination. Titnaru.— Messrs T. Haw toy and W. H. Hunt have been nominated for the Mayoralty. Gore. —Mr Dugald Popeweil (present. Mayor, and Mr David McDouga 1 havo been nominated for the Mayoralty. Hokitika.— The following nave been re-elected unopposed : Hokitika, All G. Perry; Ross, Mr 1. Lruce, Kumara, Mr J. Murdoch. Wbangarei.—Mr T. Stodman has been re-elected unopposed. , Gisborne.—Mr William L cttic has been re-elected unopposed. Thames. —Mr. Henry Lowo has been re-elected Mayor. New Plymouth.—Mr. G. W. Browne (present Mayor) and Mr. J. S. S. MedEkctahuna. —Mr. E. Pago was reelected unopposed for the fourth term for the Mayoralty. Waipawa.—W. I. Limhnck was returned unopposed as JMay'or for the fifth 'term.