THE CITIZENS' LEAGUE AND THE MAYORALTY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1419, 20 April 1912, Page 14

THE CITIZENS' LEAGUE AND THE MAYORALTY.

• Sir,—Some misconception appenrs to bo abroad in regard to the action of the -Citizens' League in its selection of Mr. John Smith (the present Acting-Mayor) as <i candidate for the Mayoralty. I should like with your permission to acquaint the public with tho tmo position. When the question of selecting a candidate was under consideration several 'mimes wero brought up, and at the beginning Mr. John Smith was approached nnd asked whether, in<ho event, of either Mr. J. G. W. Aitken an Councillor Shirtcliffe consenting to stand, would he stand down. Ho replied that he would. As your readers are aware, both these gentlemen found it impossible to offer their services.

It was mentioned in the press that Mr. Biss hod been approached by a deputation. I called to see him the same day, to ascertain if he was likely to como out. Ho explained that his business was a personal one, and that ho was a busy man, and gavo other good personal reasons for not standing. He told me he was leaving by the Main Trunk for Auckland, and would think tho matter over on tho journey and telegraph on Monday morning in time for tho meeting of the league. His telegram came as follows:—"Posted letter last night. Clear your box to-night. Is there any chance citizens contributing expenses?" I postponed the meeting till the following morning so as to receive the letter. I placed tho telegram and letter beforo tho league, and after full discussion tho league decided to support Mr. Smith on the grounds that wo could not again ask him. to stand down in favour of anyone, owing to his undoubted claims through his long and faithful services to the city. Mr. Biss's announcement of his candidature came ns a great surprise to the league and others who knew the position. Mr. Wright had been interviewed as to his standing down in Mr. Smith's favour prior to Mr. Biss's announcement, and no promised us an answer in three or four davs. When wo wnited on him after the Easter holidays, he said he could not see his way to do it now that Mr. Biss was standing. We invited Mr. Biss to our meeting to discuss tho question, and he promised to consider it. The following morning, Mr. Smith having returned, I arranged for the threo to meet, and after discussion neither Mr. Biss nor Mr. Wright could seo their way to stand down. Another section, of tho community also waited upon the candidates to seo if any arrangements could be arrived at, but without avail. The league's action was in no way a hasty one, ond the matter was delayed day after day. • In fact, so long as to seriously interfere with Mr. Smith's early commencement of his campaign. Again the leaguo's efforts wero directed, viz.:— 1. To secure tho best possiblo lopresentativo. 2. To protect tho city from representation by a delegate from one particular class of the inhabitants. Should the Tesult of the election be the return of a class representative, it should be more clear to the public that the responsibility rests upon Mr. Biss, and if he has the interest of the city at heart, as he claims to have, ho will recognise the necessity for his retirement oven at the eleventh* .-hour. Mr. Biss is a young man, and if he retires ■ and comes forward next year I feel sure that his chances of election then will be a practical certainty, especially if tho suggestion made to him at the meeting of the executive that ho should stand for the vacancy on the council caused by the elevation (if Mr. Smith. Trusting you will find space hi put these facts beforo your readers,— I am, etc., THOMAS BALLINGER, President Citizens' league. April 10, 1912.