The West Coast Times THURSDAY, NOVEMBER, 25th, 1915 THE COUNTY CHAIRMANSHIP.

West Coast Times, 25 November 1915, Page 2

The West Coast Times THURSDAY, NOVEMBER, 25th, 1915 THE COUNTY CHAIRMANSHIP.

The election of County Chairman, which was hold yesterday, resulted in Or. Murdoch attaining the position for the ensuing twelve months. Most of the Councillors regard the office as » lolling one, at least so it is said. It seems to us that the Chairmanship is a rolling office, but only among certain members, as evidenced by the following list of Chairmen who have been honoured with the "confidence" of their colleagues for the period stated: 1902—A. Clifton. 190;i—J. Gi'immond 1904 T. W. Duff. 190.5 T. J. McGuigan. 1906 T. V. Byrne 1907 T. W. Druce 1908— S. O. Ferguson ' 1909 J. A. Murdoch 1910— T. W r . Duff 1911— T. W. Uruco Orimmond 191.'! S. O. Ferguson 1911—A. Clifton 191.5—.1. A. Murdoch It will be seen at a glance that from l!.'t)9 to the present time only six elections have taken place, and in two i.f these (V. Murdoch has been siiccessfub If the position is to be taken for a term by each of the Councillors it would be interesting to know why it was that Cr. Murdoch received eight votes while Cr. Ward who has represented his riding tor the past seven years, received the support of five members only. It will also li P noticed that from 1902 to 1915 in addition to Cr. Murdoch, C'rs. Clifton, Orimmond, Dull', Itruce, and Ferguson have each occupied the position for two separate terms. The office therefore appears to be a perquisite to be shared by the chosen few. As we have stated each of the six Councillors mentioned "has held the "portfolio" on two occas. ions and as" the names of two cillors are included in the list it will be seen that for a long time past the Chairmanship has been limited to the "little circle." There is no doubt about Cr. Murdoch's ability to control the affairs of the Council, but when the services of Cr. Ward, who has sat at, the Council table for an uninterrupted term of seven \ears, are available for the position, we consider that his claims to th 0 . office are greater than those of a member who has already held the position within the past six years. One of the members of the Council who, by the way, supported Cr. Ward last year for the position, in congratulating the Chairman yesterday upon his attainment of office, said: "That it was a slight recompense for services rendered, etc., etc." This comes very well from the junior member of the Council, and the remarks must have flattered Cr. Wa.rd whose fearlessness and general straightforwardness at all times" and his earnest deliberation upon any question that comes before the Council, stamp him as one of our foremost public men. H 0 is eminently fitted to control the destinies of the Westland County Council or any other public body for the matter of that. It. would be interesting to know for what'particular reason Cr. Ward was J voted out of the position yesterday. Not one of tnp Councillors who opposed him in the election can say that he is not thoroughly qualified for the office. Yet by a certain process the details of which are best known to those who work the oracle, the elect of the "circle" is assured of the position when he wishes to occupy it. We consider that Cr. Ward lias been ungenerously treated by his colleagues, and we believe that the public will agree with us.