CR. MURRAY—MAYOR?

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 530, 6 December 1928, Page 1

CR. MURRAY—MAYOR?

CANDIDATE IN MAY YIELDS TO DEPUTATION Responding to the request of 50 citizens who attended his home in Shelly Beach Road last evening, Cr. W. H. Murray decided to contest the Mayoralty of Auckland in May. The deputation was introduced -by Mr. J. Colthurst, who assured Mr. Murray there was a widespread feeling that in view of the manner in which he had endeavoured to ventilate subjects in the interests of the ratepayers that he should consent to offer his services as chief citizen of the city Mr. Colthurst read a long list of apologies from all parts of the "city, expressing tHe support of eitizens. Several other members of the deputation spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Murray’s past services as a councillor. “HIS DUTY” Replying, Mr. Murray said that after hearing the expressions of the large and representative deputation and the many other individual suggestions he had received, he felt that it was his duty to be a candidate. He fully recognised the responsibility of such a position, and if the citizens of Auckland conferred upon him the distinction of chief magistrate, he felt that, not only would he endeavour to uphold the dignity of the trust, but he would put forward his best efforts to safeguard the interests of people as a whole. Mr. Murray stressed the point that, if he were elected, he would “prosecute further clean and economic administration.” There was, in nis opinion, much room for “a good clearance sale.” There was also a pressing necessity for a complete change in the personnel of Mayor and council. “However strong a mayoi might be, it is essential that the ratepayers see to it that a reliable and intelligent council is elected to support him,” said Mr. Murray. “From —ly knowledge, I am quite satisfied that there will be a radical change, and the contest for councillors in May will be a record one, not only sq far as intensity is concerned, but also in the percentage of votes at the poll.” The meeting unanimously resolved itself into a working committee to further the candidature of Mr. Murray. Mr. Colthurst was appointed chairman, Mr. E. Darby deputy-chairman, and Mr. Basil Howse secretary. It was mentioned that it was the intention to form large working committees in the various parts of the city to co-operate with the main committee.