THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 4186, 27 July 1876, Page 4

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

To the Editor. Sir,—l trust onr citizens will not be caught with the old clap-trap cry of “ vote for the working man,’’ as Woodland designates himself. What has he done to claim the votes of the working class, and <m what ground docs he take the title of the “ working men’s friend?” Is he an employer of labor, or does he labor himself ? Ido not Baj he does not. If he does, then surely Mr Beeves is as much entitled to onr votes as his opponent. For the last thirteen years Mr Reeves has employed labor to a largo extent annually, and on that score alone he is as good as his opponent. But wo have another and most serious view to go upon as regards Mr Rcoves’s aptitude for business and his standing as an old citizen. All must be aware by this time that there is a strong party working hard against Mr Beeves, not -on the merits of his antagonist but solely from personal animous against Mr Beeves. The same clique would do their beat to return- Jock Graham, or anyone else who would oppose Mr Reeves, regardless of eur interests, so long as it served their own ends. — 1 am, &c, T. L. B, Dunedin, July 26.

To the Editor, Sm, —After reading your well worded article on the Mayoralty in Monday’s Star I have come to the conclusion to support Mr Beeves. You will that a week or bo ago a letter appeared in your paper insinuating that Mr Reeves, as a City Councillor, had done nothing, because the Press bad spoken so much in his favor, and on the day of the election I had thrust into my hand a paper detailing the deeds done in the Council by Mr Woodland. Now, I carefully read the report of Mr Reeves’s meetings, and I certainly do not find that gentleman claiming credit over his brother Councillors for any particular w r ork done in the Council since he became a member thereof. At this I was rather surprised, and I then determined I would find out for myself what can be placed to his credit, or if he had done anything during his term of office for the benefit of tlje City. I will now state the result of my labors. I find that, through Mr Reeves’s financial ability, the credit of the City was saved in the matter

of tho completion of the purchase of the Waterworks, and also that to him, in a great measure, is due the present highly satisfactory price the Corporation debentures are now selling at in the London money market, viz., LlO6 10a—ho having advocated the floating of the loan which eventuated in this desirable result. He also proposed that Rattray street approaches should be pitched or paved, which is nearly completed ; and through his influence in the Provincial Connell, the City obtained Ll,ooo from the Government towards the work. He also had placed on the estimates the sum of L7OO for tho Castle street deviation, and I believe the Corporation has received LSOO of this amount. Whilst r mentioning Provincial Council matters, I find that, through Mr Reeves’s persistent efforts the toll gates are to bo moved, and a commencement of removal has now been made at the Water of Leith gate. This is a matter of importance to every tradesman in the City and suburbs, which should not be overlooked on the present occasion. Our Volunteers are also indebted to Mr Reeves for bavin., about L 2,000 distributed amongst them, and there are many minor matters which I might mention. I see Mr Woodland claims credit for introducing the dustcarts ; but I find that tho S resent admirable water vans were introuood on Mr Reeves’s suggestion. Mr Woo !- land claims credit for the drains in Bell Ward ; but I find that Mr Reeves heartily supported him in his eflorts, and had he been in opposition the Bell Ward ratepayers would not,have so much reason to be thankful as they have at present. I will briefly sum up, and say I believe Mr Reeves to be one of the best and most active Councillors the City ever had, and I trust he will bo rewarded by election to the Mayoral Chair. I wish to point out to the citizens the active determination of Mr Councillor Fish and his party to do all in their power to keep Mr Reeves out. Mr Fish entered the Council last time for the purpose of bringing in the Princes street widening, and I now ask myself if he has another axe tc grind on the present occasion.—l am, &c., Citizen*. Dunedin, July 26.

To the Editor. Slß,—the coming election for Mayor is, I think, the most important matter at present before the public, and as such every ratepayer ought to give his undivided attention to scanning the merits of each candidate, and thus arrive at an unbiassed decision before recording his vote. There is no doubt that this year’s election will not only be one causing great excitement, but on the result depends much concerning the lasting improvement or the Oiiy. Now 1 am sure that it will develop into a party strife, for their can be no doubt that a certain section of the community are striving hard by the influence of their property and money to foist upon the electors a gentleman whose sole claims are that he is one of themselves, and was the defeated candidate last year. The arguments used by the supporters of this gentleman arc, that he has a light to be returned this year because he was defeated last year, and that he holds a better social and monetary position than the gentleman who polled as many votes as he on last Friday. In answer to these arguments 1 maintain that having been defeated once shows that the electors do not consider him fit to hold the position of Mayor, and that worth, ability, and good faith should be a better claim than a social and monetary standing. It may be very well to say that Mr Reeves Was defeated last year because a better man opposed him the question is, is he the best man this year ? I say decidedly not; and since this election has become a trial of strength between two sections of the community, I hope that the working-class will stand by their candidate and bo not led away by the specious reasonings of the canvassers of tho other side ; but by using their influence one with tho other show that in Dunedin at least intelligent labor can and will bo represented in spite of money and exalted positions. Above all tho working-men should not forget to record their votes, be it a fine clay or wet day. Bo not mind losing a little time on tho polling day, for by returning their candidate they will regain their loss a thousand fold. Lot etch and every one of the working men who have votes remember that it is their bonnden duty to exercise the right, and to do so in favor of the candidate who will protect their interests on all occaaiona.—l am, &0., * A Worked. Dunedin, July 26.