The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1908. DR. WILLIAMS AND THE MAYORALTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2166, 15 April 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1908. DR. WILLIAMS AND THE MAYORALTY.

If the supporters of Dr. Williams in liis contest for the Mayoralty had depended Upon his oratorical gifts to win him success at the coming election, they would obviously bo doomed to disappointment, for the Doctor, whilst possessed of the natural qualifications for eloquence, has evidently not been schooled in the arts and devices with which the polished speaker'succeeds in the dual purposo of concealing his thoughts and charming his audience. Instead, the candidate relied upon a plain statement of the chief planks of his platform, giving at the same time a brief resume of the position relating to the matters that chiefly concern, the borough at the present time. Quite frankly ho faced the criticism which has already been raised, against, his candidature in some quarters, and boldly defended the Council from the charge of dilatoriness so far as the repord of the past twelve-month is concerned. Witty-: out admitting that he was wholly; successful in this respect, it was useful to learn of the numerous difficulties that stand in the way of several much-needed reforms. The candidate was heard to chief .advantage on the question of sanitation, which ho has specially studied, and last night's audience was given an excellent insight into the sewerage scheme which is at present under the consideration of the Council. On this matter Dr. Williams left no doubt as to his attitude. He is emphatically in favor of Mr. Mestayer’s proposal, and pledges himself to do all in his power to secure its adoption. On the vexed problem of the metal supply Dr. Williams was equally definite, stating that as a reserve could now be obtained at Waihirere, he would favor the Councils’making 5 ’making immediate arrangements to construct a quarry and tramway to obtain metal from that source. This is a course we have always favored, and we still believe that if given effect to it will result in a marked improvement in the condition of our roads. The municipalisation of the gasworks was another impor-

taut matter touched upon, and Dr. Williams received tho. warm approbation of his hearers when he declared that' ili was just as fitting that tho people should own their own gasworks as it was that they should own tho newly installed water supply. Tho provision of public urinals, as advocated by tho candidate, is an urgent necessity. It was -also pleasing to find that tho needs of tho community from an aesthetic point of view had not boon overlooked, as shown by his roioroncos to various ways of improving tho appearance of the town. Evidently, were Dr. Williams elected Mayor, tho local Boautofying Society would have an ablo advocate to assist in its work. Tho matter of a bridge over tho Waimata, tho reticulation of additional streets with tho water supply, and other topics, were included in a programme that should provo to bo progressive onough to suit tho demands of tho most exacting elector. As already stated, I)r. Williams’ speech was not an exhibition of oratory, but a simple statement of .essential facts couched in terms that could bo understood by all, and tho manner of its delivery left an impression upon tho audience of -the absolute sincerity of tho speaker. The candidate has evidently made a careful study of the needs of tho town, and his address last night left no doubt,.in the minds of his hearers but that lie would, if elected as Mayor, work conscientiously and earnestly for the public weal.