THE GLOBE. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1880. THE MAYORALTY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2105, 22 November 1880, Page 2

THE GLOBE. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1880. THE MAYORALTY.

The truth of the adage, “ Save me from my friends,” could not be better exemplified than by reference to an article published in the “ Star ” of Saturday last. The article in question was written with the ostensible object of advocating Mr. Ayers’ candidature for the Mayoralty of this city, hut, as is unfortunately usual with that journal, coarse vulgarity takes the place of argument, and scurrilous abuse of Mr. Gapes and his friends obtains instead of reasons why Mr. Ayers should he chosen in preference to Mr Gapes. As we have previously remarked, it is greatly to he lamented that an election can no longer bo conducted in Christchurchwithoutthe useof offensive expressions calculated to cause animosities which would otherwise never have existed. Time was when the “ Star ” was conducted in a respectable manner, and when, after an election was over, all parties could shake hands and be as good friends as ever. But the constant use of objectionable terms, such as “ snob,” “ barber,” &c., has done much not only to render this desirable state of things impossible, hut to deter good men from coming forward to servo the public. The fear of coarse vilification has, no doubt, lost to the citizens the services of many gentlemen who would have done honor to themselves and credit to the city. To this cause may fairly he ascribed the fact of the Mayoralty of the most important city in New Zealand literally going a-begging. In advocating the claim of Mr. Gapes to the office of Chief Magistrate, we will not follow the example of the “ Star ” by abusing our opponent. We have previously stated our reasons why we think Mr. Ayers should not be elected on this occasion, the principal ones being want of experience and inconsistency. Hitherto the gentleman chosen to occupy the civic chair has served at least four or five years in the capacity of Councillor, and consequently obtained that experience of municipal affairs so necessary to the proper fulfilment of the duties of the higher office. This essential qualification Mr. Gapes possesses, having served the citizens many years in a conscientious and creditable manner. Not so with Mr. Ayers. He has only been in the Council two years, and, it can fairly bo said, not long enough to have learned the ABO of civic business. That Mr. Gapes has already been Mayor is to us a recommendation, especially as his competitor is so municipally “ green.” Mr. Hobbs and the present Mayor both served two years in the Mayoral office, and exemplified the wisdom of the burgesses in returning them the second time by the manner in which they did their duty. The reason of their second election was doubtless that of experience, and we cannot urge this point too strongly in favor of Mr. Gapes. When Mr. Ayers has, so to speak, served his apprenticeship, he may possibly make a good Mayor, but at present we can only look upon bis candidature as premature.