Contest far Mayor.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 80, 25 March 1914, Page 5

Contest far Mayor.

M. J. Kl NG SM OPPOSITION.

AS RESULT OF PETITION

At Messrs J. Masters and Son’s store tliis morning a deputation headed by Mr JV McAllister presented a petition signed by 250 burgesses of the Borough to Mr N. J. King requesting that he allow himself to be nominated at the forthcoming election of Mayor. Speaking to the question, Mr McAllister said he was sure Mr King could take the presence of the gathering as their earnest and sincere wish that he should accept nomination, and as a pledge that they would do all they could to return him at the head of the poll. In the minds of the 250 who had signed the petition there was no doubt what the result would he. There was a feeling that the time was opportune for a change. He had much pleasure in conveying to Mr King the views of the petitioners, and trusted he would accept nomination.

The text of the petition, which was road by Mr McAllister, is as follows: “Stratford, 19th March, 1914. “To N. J. King, Esq., “We, the undersigned ratepayers and electors of the Borough of Stratford, are desirous that you should contest the seat for the Mayoralty of the Borough of Stratford at -the forthcoming election. While we appreciate the enormous amount of time of self-sacri-fice that you have given the Borough in the past, both as a Mayor and Councillor, we feel that there was never in the history of Stratford a time when the services of a man possessing the qualities for the position that you have was more urgently required.to bring the Town of Stratford into the position it should be than the uresent. We trust that you will be able to see your way clear to accede to our request, and pledge ourselves to do our utmost to secure your return.”

Mr J. Masters. tendered apologies ■ for several gentlemen who were not able to he present with the deputation. In reply, Mr King said he heartily appreciated the sentiment attached to the petition asking him to contest the Mayoralty. He admitted he had done a certain amount pf work during the years he had been on the Council, md judging from the petition the signatories recognised the value of that work on their behalf. The contest would mean time and self-sacrifice on his part, and also more time if he .vas successful. The Borough had arrived at the stage when a forward move should be made. (Hear, hear), it had been standing still too long, -deferring to other boroughs, Mr King said that when they noticed the tremendous progressive strides which aad been made in Eltham, they recognised that it was time some permanent improvements were made. It had jeen freely circulated—and would be More circulated when it became known that lie was a candidate for the Mayoralty—that the Electric Light Jompaay's business would be tne main plank of the platform of what he .night, terra “the opposition.” But he assured them that if the publicthought he was going into the Mayoral ,-hair to further those interests they were mistaken. His position would jo to give the Company a “square deal.” His desire and earnest wish would be to do all he could in the interests of the Borough first every time. His interests in the Company were infinitesimal compared to his interests in the town. Xo doubt lie would nave the opportunity to refute statements concerning this matter on the public platform before the contest eventuated. Mr King thanked all the signatories for the large and influential petition which had been presented to him, and which showed great confidence in him. To such a request, ho could hardly say Xo. He stated he would contest the mayoralty.—(Applause). Mr Masters spoke shortly in support of Mr King’s candidature. Mr King was, he said, for all the years he h. •

been in the Council neither a lazy nor a silent member, and had worked in the very best interests of the Borough. In his connection with the Electric Light Co, Mr King had always spoken is lie thought, and that was one good thing as thq public knew where he was. As proof of the people’s high opinion of Mr King, Mr Masters referred to the fact that at every election, he had been at the top or near it. There should bo no great difficulty in placing Mr King in the chair this time, but he urged all as their boundeil duty to work hard towards that end.—(Applause). Mr McAllister thanked Mr King for acceding to the request of the petitioners, and the gathering dispersed.