THE COMING MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 3544, 2 July 1874, Page 2

THE COMING MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

To the Editor.

Sir, —Although the annual election of Mayor and City Councillors is now close at hand, there is as yet very little shew of any interest being taken in the matter; but doubtless before many weeks have passed this condition of things will have changed to one of intense excitement,

The election of Mayor is the first matter, then, which should be engaging the attention of the citizens. As is pretty well known, there are now two City Councillors in the field seeking this honor in return for the faithful manner in which they have respectively represented their fellow-citizens in the Council. These gentlemen are Messrs Ramsay and Walter, and I observe both at work touting for support. I am not aware that any other candidate is going to contest the election this year. Some time ago, however, it was rumored that Mr Reeves intended to become a candidate, but as he has not yet expressed his intention in the affirmative it is not likely l}e yvil etaqd. It being- likely; then, that the content will lie entirely be* tween Messrs Ramsay and Walter, we may expect to ree it rather an exciting one. Ih fact they are so well matched that it is a difficult matter at present to predict who will be the successful candidate.

Following close upon the Mayoral election will be that of Councillors for the different wards. This year it must be understood there will be two Councillors for each ward, instead of only one as heretofore ; this will make an increase oi four Councillors for the City. I shall commence xviil* Bell Ward. I hear it stated on good authority that 1 councillor Woodlands intends to stand for re-election, while Mr C. ii. Chapman is much talked of as a candidate for the third seat in the Council for that ward. These are the only likely candidates for this ward I hear talked of as yet. The candidates spoken of for Hijh VVard are Councillor Burt, who intends to seek re-deotion, while the present Mayor (Mr Mercer) intends to stand for the third seat. In the event of Mr Ramsay becoming Mayor, Mr Barron intends to aim at his seat. This gentleman, it will be remembered, was before the ratepayers last year, when be was unsuccessful against Mr Burt, who gained the election by a small majority. For Soufh Ward, Mr H. Fish, junr, will doubtless seek the third seat; And last of all, in reference to Leith Ward, Mr Gibson will- seek, to retain the position which he has only so late y gamed ; while Mr Birch will I have no doubt, have a walk-over for the third seat for that ward.—l am, &0., Observer. Dunedin, July 1.