LABOUR AND THE MAYORALTY.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 626, 22 April 1921, Page 5

LABOUR AND THE MAYORALTY.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I was interested in the letter of “An Awakened Soil-worker,” as showing one phase' of Labour—and that the worst. May T put forward a word for that vast self-respecting, law-abiding, home-loving section of the community, “sane” Labour. Both the extremist-labour political agitators and the extremist capitalists ignore our wishes and rights absolutely and urge and agitate for measures and reforms that we “sane” labourers don’t want and don't for a moment approve of, measures that make for the power and privilege of one class (i.e., extremist labour) to the harm of all others We are a modest body and do not want prominence or notoriety and so are not heard in the noise and shouting and pushing and shoving for political office (local or otherwise). Now, sir. Mr Mason, who is seeking office as Mayor of this borough, has been maligned and the success of his candidature seriously injured by being classed as a Holland-Semple-Webb-Parry boon companion, with “Red Fed.” and “Bolshevik” flags waving from all his button holes. Weii, sir, knowing the impartial attitude you adopt in local politics, I ask you to give Mr Mason the opportunity through this column to refute these assertions and to assert his adherence to the moderate, considerate views of “sane” labour. I am sure that Mr Mason would willingly at the same time also give a public pledge not to permit his political convictions as regards the righteousness and justness cf “sane” labour’s cause to influence him in any way, openly or secretly, in civic or social affairs, during his term as Mayor if be wins that honour. I think, sir, it would be a graceful act to offer such an opportunity to Mr Mason. And, again, what qualities of character and what degree of business ability do we require of a Mayor. A mere seeker for the office for the sake of its social prominence is a menace to the welfare and progress of this up-to-date borough. A man whose occupation and training have directed his intelligence and ability into a defined channel of thought and action would be inc an able of bringing a broad-minded far-seeing policy into being ir of continuing one already begun. A strong man he must be with knowledge and experience of the requirements of a large body of people (such as our town comprises) and a man able to dominate the Council and direct its executive functions. Yet he must work in harmony with his councillors if he desires to achieve, to Forge onward. The application of r.enow or extremist views to local problems of administration would nullify any personal advantages or abili L\ that he may possess and 'render his yearly reign . one of impotent effort. If the Council dominates him he is useless or worse, in fact, because the councillors each try to con-

tn.l the policy of the Council and the result is that the cry justly arises “What have they done so far?” I would urge electors to remember that one of the three candidates nominated is either to compel the further progress of our magnificent district or else to experiment in local politics. A most earnest consideration is necessary by all those who wish the best for Pukekohe. —I am, etc. . ONE OF THE UNHEARD. Mr Mason has, in this issue, stated his views at considerable length.— Ed. Times.