THE MAYORALTIES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1393, 20 March 1912, Page 5

THE MAYORALTIES.

- THE POSITION AT EARORI. 1 Tho divergent viows held .by the residents of_ Karori in regard to tho means of transit between that borough and the city nro causing considorablo interest in tho, Miryoral election, to tako placo five iveeks from to-day. Tho community beyond the western hills is divided over tho Question' as to whether they should not have tramway communication with tho city via Kelburne. As one who favours tho Kelburne tramway, connection, Mr. J. W. Henderson has been approached by petition and deputation to stand for tho Mayoralty. The petition, which boro tho signatures of twenty-one prominent residents, stated:— "We aro of opinion that tho present times require a Mayor in Karori who is both strong and progressive, and wo feel convinced that should you see vour way to accede to our request you will fill tho office with credit to yourself and will add dignity to tho borough. In signing our names wo pledro ourselves to uso our utmost endeavours to place you at the top of tho poll with n solid majority. Your views as to tho question of a. shorter routo to Karori aro too well known for us to ask any pledgo from you, but you aro of course awaro that Ihe coming election will be fought practically on this issue." In his reply, Mr. Henderson said that he felt flattered at tho request, but he must reluctantly decline. His solo reasons for doing so were his increasing business and that during the coming year he would be frequently absent from Wellington. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Henderson was waited upon by a deputation consisting of Messrs. H. Marshall, J. l'\ Mills, T. Milnt, J. W. Jack, Chas. Young, and J. Wilson. Mr. . Marshall, voicing the wishes of tho deputation, said that the boVough had been standing still for the past two years, and they wero hoping that they would be able to persuade him (Mr. Henderson) to occept nomination for the Mayoralty, and lift it ahead, and ho was suro that 110 place could very well go ahead until it got the shortest means of communication with the centre. Mr. J. F. Mills said that Mr. Henderson could rely on having a very sympathetic council. Six of tliem at least held views similar -to his own. Mr. Henderson said that he had given a reply in tho uegativo to a signed -requisition that day, and he saw no reason to alter it. His business was making a bigger demand 011 his time every year, and hs recognised that the coining year was a most _ important ono in ' the borough's affairs, and he would not have the time to spare to attend to the duties. He would, however, think it over for a day, and give an answer on the following day. "But, mind you," said Mr. Henderson, in conclusion, "I don't advise you to hope!"

Mr. A. do B. Brandon has decided not to contest tho Mayoralty of Wellington next month.

Mr. J. W. M'Ewnn has consented to allow himself to be nominated for tho Mayoralty of Petone. His opponent will be Mr. J. Piper, at present a member of the Petone Borough Council.

AUCKLAND. ®J lelezrivoh.—Preis Asioelatloa.l Auckland, March 19. The representatives of Lnbour were busily encased to-day in approaching various gentlemen with a view to inducing them to stand in the labour interest for the Mayoral'election. A meeting of union officials was held to-night in connection with the matter. Nothing, however, has bo,far been communicated to the press. Mr. Parr, the present Mayor, is still tlio only candidate announced, but a Labour candidate is almost certain to bo brought out.