THE MAYORALTY.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 11863, 18 February 1907, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

MR. C. J. UARLEV CONSENTS TO STAND. On Saturday morning a deputation consisting of 'Messrs U V Fell, F I Ledger, W Ruufc junior, J H Cock, J Sharp junior. F Atkinson, RJ3 Jackson, J Glasgow, T B fluffara, U Moore, U Baigent (ex-Mayor), A H Bisley, A E Mansford, W W Snodgrass, and E S*vage, waited upon Mr C J Harley with a request that he would allow himself to be nominated for the Mayoralty. Mr Fell, who acted as spokesman, said a meeting of citizens had been called to consider the best means of approaching Mr ilarley and securing his election to the office of Mayor. A requisition had been circulated and largely signed, and it also appsared that although it had been done with tbe best of good will it had the appearance, of coming from one particular section, of the Council, and many declined to sign it for that reason, declining to be associated with any side or party. The deputation wag composed of men who had not associated themselves with any party at all, but; who were all anxious that the city should be well governed, arid tbe proceeding's of the Council characterised by peace and dignity. The proceedings latterly had neither been peaceful nor dignified, and tbo lack of those essentials had not been for the good of the city. They, did not feel that in the past the administration of the affairs of the city had been in good ! hinds. Mr Ilarley wnM eminently suited to carry oufc the duties of Mayor. He had the business ability and the knack of getting on without quarrelling, and those wore essential to the office. The deputation pledged itself td further, his candidature.and jMr ITariey could rest satisfied that he would have the cordial sympathy of the ratepayers, lie hoped that Mr Ha? ley would accedo tv their request. Mr Ilarley said ho lolt flattered at receiving a deputation of that strength and personnel, and he would be pleased to accede to their request, and allow .himself to be nominated for the Mayoralty. During the last few months, he said, he had been asked frequently, almost daily, by all sorts and conditions of citizens, to allow himself to be nomirfated, and although ho had never given a positive answer, "it gradually became understood that he would be willing, to stand on suitable requisition. Ho j had promised, several citizens to intimate to them if he intended to offer himself for olcotion, and in the moan time a requisition had been got up and largely signed. This had since beon handed into the secretary of the presont deputation, and he hoped both parties would join together. In many ways, Mr Ilarley said, ho had respected tho present Mayor, and he hoped the contest would be fought in a friendly spirit. Every citizen had a right to stand for the position, which any man ought to be proud to take. He had served for 13 years as a Councilor, and had tee interests of the city at heart, and he hoped that after the fight, win or lose, he would be able to shake hands with his opponent and be as good friends as before. He made it quite clear that he would not be alliod to any particular party, and that no would use hie best energy and ability to forward the best interests of the city. He appreciated tbe honor done him. The deputation then withdrew.