THE GLOBE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1880, THE MAYORALTY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2052, 21 September 1880, Page 2

THE GLOBE. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1880, THE MAYORALTY.

As will have boon soon, ono of tho candidates for tho Mayoralty of Christchurch for next year has issued Lis manifesto. Another, though not having taken this stop, has publicly avowed his intention of contesting tho election. The first is Councillor Ayers, the second Councillor Gapes. Both those gentlemen discharge their duties as councillors in a manner consistent with tho dignity of their high position, hut without wishing to offend them in tho least, we cannot hut feel that neither of them is fitted to oaoapy the position of Mayor of a city like Christchurch. Since tho period when Councillor Gapes occupied the chair a great change has come over the position and the duties of Mayor. That functionary is no longer merely a chairman of a meeting, required to possess only a fair knowledge of tho principles of construction of drains and sido-channels,hut the first citizenofono of tho most- 1 prosperous and rapidly improving cities of tho colony. To fill such a position with credit to himself and honour to tho city requires a man of special qualifications. We must bo pardoned if wo at once say that neither tho candidate actually before tho ratepayers, or the one who, doubtless, shortly will he, possesses those. In view, also, of tho possibility of the establishment of a Mayor’s Court, it behoves tho citizens now, more than ever, to exercise the greatest care in their selection of a gentleman who will ho called upon to exercise such very largo and responsible powers. It is argued by many supporters of Councillor Ayers that because ho has creditably filled the position of Councillor ho must necessarily make a good Mayor. This does not follow at all. There aro many now in tho Council who, as Councillors, render great service to the ratepayers, but who, if promoted to the higher position, would prove a perfect fiasco. Tho duties and responsibilities, tho peculiar characteristics and qualities, brought into play whilst serving as Mayor aro not required or brought out in tho lighter sphere of Council duties. Almost daily the Mayor is called upon to exercise peculiar talents of tact and judgment, to decide, as it were, nice points, which, if wrongly done, would, perhaps, involve tho citizens in serious trouble. We trust, therefore, that means will bo taken to secure tho candidature of some other gentlemen thoroughly well fitted for the post. We have them in our midst, if they will only consent to take their share of the public work. It is their duty, oven though it involves a slight sacrifice on their part, to corao forward and place their services at tho disposal of their fellow-citizens. To be Mayor of Christchurch is an honour which every one might prize, and when that is coupled with tho fact that good service will bo rendered to tho public at largo, we do think it is incumbent on those occupying a loading position amongst ns, whether mercantile or otherwise, to stand forth and take their share of the work of municipal government. It was once too much tho fashion for those who, from education and aptitude, were best fitted for seats in the Council to stand aloof. Tho ill effects of this, we are glad to say, wore felt, and a change for tho hotter has set in. But wo do trust that the highest office the citizens can bestow will not be allowed to go, as it were, by default to any one whom ambition —without qualifications —may induce to stand forward. Let tho citizens make up their minds to request some oue or two gentlemen of acknowledged ability and fitness to come forward, and such a request made by a large number of tho ratepayers should be acceded to, even though at the risk of some little personal inconvenience and trouble. If no interest is taken in the matter tho result is easy to foresee, and then when it is too late, peoplo will say —“ What a pity.”

THE ETHICS OP CLEANLINESS. The intimate connection between uncleaulinesa and godliness was a favorite topic at one period of tho world’s history. Those reputed the most ’holy were those who added to an ascetic life the invaluable qualification of being utterly and hopelessly dirty. Tho grimy condition of these saints was the theme of universal admiration—like morsebaum pipes the blacker they became the greater their value. But that ora has passed away, wo trust never to return, and cleanliness is now reckoned as one of tho cardinal virtues. It is a virtue on which an Englishman particularly prides himself, and by reason of the possession of which ho considers himself to hold a proud pro-eininence over most of the other nations of the globe. In Major Butler’s book, “ Tho Great Lone Land," a story is told of an American who made an appointment with a Britisher, and, on the latter stating that he would run over to his hotel, have a bath, and then join his friend, tho former exclaimed, “ Why, stranger, you’re not ill, are you ? ” On reading such a story, an Englishman is apt to hug himself and be thankful that he is not as other men are. But the now question now arises whether to ho clean it is necessary to be well off. When people are in want of bard cash, are their ablutions as frequent and as hearty as when money is plentiful ? Tho history of tho Oamaru baths would seem to imply that they are not. This institution was founded in 1877 and cost £ISOO, but has been gradually languishing since that date, and the question has now been propounded whether the company can afford to carry it on any longer. The baths are apparently well managed—at all events, as tho local journal remarks, any imperfections that have existed have been tho natural sequel of scarcity of capital. Tho reason of the want of patronage bestowed by tho public is either that the necessary alterations cannot ho made because of a want of money, or that the public cannot afford to use them. Whichever view may he taken, it is evident that tho general state of tho money market is answerable for tho present sad condition of tho inhabitants of Oamaru. This state of affairs opens a new view into the ethics of cleanliness. Has tho world boon growing cleaner simply because it has been growing richer, and will tho present depressed condition of trade bo followed by a general relapse into medimval dirt ? The eyes of tho Now Zealand world will be fixed for some time to come on Oamaru for a solution of this question. If they rally by tho expiring institution all may yet be well; but if, on the contrary, they prefer their money to their daily ablutions tho portent will bo an ominous one.