After the Count.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 752, 4 May 1933, Page 10

After the Count.

City Election.

“Red Flag” Sung by Section in Crowd. NIGHT in Manchester Street was quieter than usual, but thousands gathered to see the results displayed. In between speeches a group in the crowd and others in a building nearby sang “ The Red Flag.” At one stage the Rev J. K. Archer appeared on the portico of the Council Chambers and joined in the singing, beating time by waving a handkerchief. Other attempts were made to keep the Red Flag flying, and an actual sample of the banner floated from a window. Mayor’s Thanks. Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., was accorded an enthusiastic reception when returning thanks on his re-election to the Mayoralty. He declared his desire to continue to do his best for the city and also congratulated his opponent, Mr L. C. Walker, on the clean election fight. Mr Sullivan continued that it was not in his power to work miracles, but he promised his best and they could not expect more than that. He stated that it was a wonderful thing to see the whole of the Labour members of Parliament throwing themselves into the contest as they had done. His troubles were just commencing for another two years, and he did not under-estimate the difficulties with which the occupant of the Mayoral office must be confronted, but Mayor, council and citizens could struggle loyally together for the best interests of the city. He congratulated his colleague and friend, Mr Archer, on his great poll as a candidate; it was a magnificent tribute. Little Change Likely. Disappointment that the Labour Party had not been given a definite majority was expressed by the Mayor in an interview later. He had been hoping for a working majority, he said, but considering the forces that were always at work against the Labour Party, the result of the election was satisfactory, and Labour had done well. As regards the future control and policy of the council, there was little prospect of any important change, although it was possible that there would be a great deal of negotiation before the chairmanships of committees was decided. The Mayor added that he was sure that the new council would co-operate honestly on all matters relating to orthodox municipal work, but he anticipated a sharp .division on questions that had a party aspect. For his own part, he would remain faithful to Labour interests, but would endeavour to do his best to reconcile any differences that arose and bring about the maximum of agreement. Amicable Working. The view was taken by Mr E. H. Andrews, who headed the Citizens’ Association candidates at the poll, that the result of the election would be much the same as that of two years ago. A possible difference might be that an Independent would replace one of the Citizens’ Association councillors. At present the verdict of the people seemed to block the carrying out of the policy advocated by the Citizens’ Association. Unless a reduction of wages could be made in the council offices there was no prospect of a reduction in rates. Mr Andrews added that it was not yet possible to say how the chairmanships of the committees would be allotted. However, the Citizens’ Association councillors would endeavour to work amicably with the Labour members. His Last Fight. A declaration that his fight for the Mayoralty would be his last contest for any public position in, Christchurch was made by Mr L. C. Walker when returning thanks to those who had voted for him. He said that apparently his opinions were out of joint with the times, and went on to criticise the spirit in which the people were facing the economic situation. Mr Walker, who was introduced by Mr Sullivan, was given a good hearing when he opened. “ Mr Sullivan has been very generous to me in his remarks about the vote I have received,” he began, “ but no doubt Mr Sullivan is in the mood to be generous. I must, however, confess to a very poor showing. Seeing that is the considered opinion of the electors, I have got to bow to the inevitable. I can see that as far as the present times are concerned my opinions are out of joint, and it seems as if the spirit of timid conservatism and lack of fight to fight a way out of the depression is the fashion. (Derisive shouts). I assure you it is my last canter for any public office.” (Loud cries of “Hurrah!”).