THE CITY’S AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 46, 18 November 1926, Page 8

THE CITY’S AFFAIRS

DICTATION OF THE CIVIC LEAGUE/ Sir, —The outstanding attributes of justice and fairplay and resentment, of anything that savours of dictation have always been the proud boast of British people. It is largely that characteristic which has made for the British people a standard of honour and nobility in eyerv corner of the world. That these attributes still dominate the thoughts and actions of our people, is evidenced by the general resentment at the dictatorial and unfair attitude of the Civic League towards ttye present Mayor and the council generally. It is refreshing also to see the dignified stand taken by some councillors when they approached the Mayor on Thursday night last. It is quite evident that our leading public men and citizens generally (except In a few cases) are truly British, and will not tolerate unfair Bolshevik methods from any coterie of men.

The nagging methods of the league, and their long-winded empty reports during the last twelve months have been nearly as nauseating to decent people as the effusions of their unofficial leader and public spokesman, Mr. Stuart Wilson. Unless their tactics are drastically altered, the Civic League as a respected body will cease to count long before tho next municipal election. I am informed that Mr. Troup's selec tion is merely tho personal vote of those present, as It was never submitted to the ratepayers* associations affiliated with tho league. If this is so, the Civic League is not only dictating to all public men, but also to their own affiliated organisations. It was refreshing to see councillors take their share of the responsibility of various works under criticism. The Mayor is merely the servant of the council, carrying out their decisions and not his own. If Kent Terrace and other propositions are wrong, Mr. Troup and th? members of the council must be equally to blame. Some of them have been honourable and taken their share of responsibility. At no time in our. history has the Mayor been under a greater load or. so many disadvantages ami difficulties, and whatever may be his faults and shortcomings (like everyone since our Saviour’s time he has them), he has done much solid work under great difficulties, which in future years will be appreciated. In all things at least he has been a fdithful trier. The writer is personally opposed to some of the latest proposals, especially the Hill Street tram, which is only toying with a very big problem, but are one or two mistakes to blind us to tlie great amount of magnificent work that has been accomplished? The writer has the greatest respect for Mr. Troup, who is credited with a kindly thoughtfulness for others* feelings and interests. It would, however, have added greatly to his dignity and prestige had he insisted on the Civic league getting a definite answer from the Mayor before accepting their nomination. If he is elected, and in eighteen months’ time has not pleased Mr. Stuart Wilson and the secretary of the Civic League, will he think it in keeping with his sense of justice and dignity if they, nominate someone to supersede him six months before the election ?

The Issue is very plain. Are the Mayor and councillors responsible to a little coterie dominating the Civic League and one of two irresponsible-s outsido of it, who would fail to obtain a vote of confidence on any responsible public body, or are they responsible to the citizen© who elected them? The present Mayor has no option consistent with honour and his duty to the citizens, but to stand again and seek their confidence. I suggest, however, that the Civic League nominate Mr. Stuar.t Wilson. Mr. David McLaren, and any other of their members who have much to say nnd no responsibility, for a seat on the council. Surely that is their place, for instead of continually whining because other people do not carry out their policy let them go into the council and i it themselves.—l am, etc.. FAIRPLAY.