THE MAYORALTY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11512, 19 February 1903, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY.

However much we may regret Mr Wigram's decision not to allow himself to be nominated for the Mayoralty of Greater Christchurch—end the regret is deeper and more widespread than probably he has any idea of—common courtesy forbids any further attempt to induce him to alter his mind. The community has done all that it can do to induce him to accept the honour for which he is in every way so well qualified. The deputation that waited on him was as influential and representative as could be wished—ite mere constitution was a visible proof of the usteem in wfcidh Mr Wigram ie held—and the Mayor of Sydenham's remarks could not have been bettered. Mr Wigram having withstood the persuasive arguments of Mr Sim and the other speakers, rothing more remains to be said on the subject. He was quite justified in taking, aa he eaid, the presence of Mr Sim flod his brother Mayors of St. Albans and Lin : wood as proof of their belief that he had fought the smalgamation campaign honestly and fairly, and tihat the community, which the deputation so thoroughly represented, was satisfied with the manner in which he had done hie work. But though he leoognifledl this feeling, Mr Wigram was unable to accede to the wishes of the de-

putatidn, and declined their request in courteously emphatic terms. He in, of course, the best and only judge of bis own affairs, and'everyone will recognise that it is from no desire to shirk his share of the dt&ies of citizenship that he took this stand. The position of Mayor of Christchurch entails no doubt a great deal of hard work and the expenditure of much- time, and it k equally certain that the Mayoralty of Greater Christohurch will make still heavier calls upon the energies and time of the occupant of the chair. It should be possible, however, to relieve him of some of the minor duties of the position, such ac presiding at meetings and social gatheringsj- If the Mayor of Greater Christohurch is expected to do all in this respect that the four Mayors have hitherto done, it wiH add immensely to the difficulty of inducing anybody to accept the position. In the meantime it is satisfactory to learn that as Mr Wigram intends to offer his - services as a member of the Council, Greater Christchurch will not entirely lose his experience and advice.