THE OTHER SIDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 19, 13 April 1927, Page 8

THE OTHER SIDE

MR. WARNOCK REPLIES CHARGE OF UNFAIRNESS “NO LOW-DOWN TRICK” ! So much has been written and said ! on the subject of Mr. J. A. Warnock '.contesting the mayoralty against the present mayor that it was anticipated he would make a statement on the position when he addressed his first public meeting last evening at Remuera. Mr. Warnock effectively replied to criticism immediately on opening his campaign. “We know that one of the candidates has endeavoured to enlist sympathy by attacking me for having gone behind his back, and played him a low-down trick,” said the candidate. “Mr. Baildon says his candidature was known before 1 was approached. Mr. Mackenzie, at Scots Hall, about March 28, stated that Mr.

Baildon had chosen me as deputymayor from tenth on the council list, ancl my candidature for the mayoralty came as a surprise. “As a matter of fact the two announcements were nearly a dead-heat. Adverse—very adverse comments, on the work of the council had led several business men to decide on nominating a new mayor, and I was first approached on February 2 or 3, and asked to stand. I asked this deputation to see other men they had on their list first. It became fairly well known that this movement was on foot, and was town talk for two weeks prior to February 15, when Mr. Baildon made his announcement. The following day it was announced that a deputation was waiting on me, and I received this on February 17. I was proud to see the wonderful scope of that deputation. It represented every branch of electors. I agreed to stand. I cannot see that I have been unfair. The likelihood of another candidate was known well ahead, and had it not been myself it would probably have been someone else.”