THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 3244, 14 July 1873, Page 3

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

The nomination of candidates for the office of Mayor for the ensuing year took place to day at noon, in the presence of about 200 persons. The following nominations were read by the Town Clerk Mr Andrew Mercer, proposed Mr R. B. Martin, seconded by Mr P. Meenan. Mr John Barnes, proposed by Mr Jas. Wright, seconded by Mr F. J. Butterfield. Mr L. Theneman, proposed by Mr W. Woodland, seconded by Mr J. Carroll. Mr Mercer was questioned about promising to give his support to one of the candidates. He denied that he done so within the last six months. He had no wish to come out, and he stated, at the time referred to, that so far as he was personally concerned, he did not care whether he was Mayor of Dunedin or not. But he had now come forward at the urgent and repeated requests of a great number of the citizens, and on that ground he claimed their suffrages. He was a married fiian, and'was glad to say he had ps fine a firpily as was 5 ever born.— (daughter) He would not have come forward if a senior member of the Council had first stooU—(Mr Barnes : “Then give way for me.”) Mr Barnes referred to his past actions as a guarantee that he was able to fill the Mayoral chair; and as giving him some claims on the citizens. Referring to the objection that had been made to him, he said he had sufficient common sense to enable him to discharge the ordinary magisterial duties of the office ; and on difficult questions he would have the assistance of J.P.’s, several of whom had promised to ait along with him ; and if that were not sufficient, he would consult the Corporation solicitors before giving his decisions. In regard to receiving the Governor, |i , ji‘<vould ! 'call a'lpeeting orthe cltizeng to (rfrangfe that matter, and WPttl4 be prepared to put his hand into his own pocket to bring about a reception which should leave no discredit upon the City or himself. He would pocket none of his salary, which he did not want; he wanted the mere honor for one year; and if he received that, he would at the end of his term, place his services at the disposal of the citizens. In answer to a question, he said he did not consider any of the candidates were fit for the office if much legal knowledge was required ; but he considered himself as good as either of the other two. MrTIiONEMAN knew of nothing that he had done that was likely to lose him the confidence of his supporters two years ago, and therefore expected to be returned. There was one thing that ho wished to refer to : slanderous reports about him had been circulated for electioneering purposes, and be had merely to Say that he had resided Jiere ten years, and he had received the respect of 1 those who knew him. He should treat these slanders with contempt.—(Hear.) In answer to a question, he stated that six months ago the Mayor and the whole of his brother councillors, Mr Walter excepted, asked him to come forward, and Mr Mercer promisee! to support |pm if he declared piinpdlff 1 The poll takes place on Monday next.