THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2106, 23 November 1880, Page 3

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

To the Editor of the Globe. Sib, —I am not in the habit of troubling the newspapers with letters; but, as a resident in Christchurch for nearly nineteen years, I venture to address you on the forthcoming election for Mayor. At the outset, I wish to say that I should have preferred our present Mayor to either of the candidates before us ; but, as we have not the opportunity of reelecting him, I wish to give you my reason why I prefer Mr Gapes to the other candidate. My first reason is because Mr Gapes strongly opposed the city incurring the heavy cost, which it was unable to bear, of either a palatial towu hall or that white elephant called the|Waimakariri water smeme. Now, to the best of. my belief the other candidate openly favored these two projects, which would have entailed endless taxation on us. Next—A host of city men were sued right and left for their rates, at a time when the Council had a credit balance at bank. This was the action of the finance committee, who, at the time when it was decided to issue the summonses, had Mr Ayers for its chairman. - Again—lt has been stated the Professor holds, or did hold, some status with the Good Templars. If so, how is it the Licensed Victuallers are helping him, and was it consistent 'that one of his committee moetings was held in a liquor shop, if he is a water drinker ? Tours, &c, AVONBANK. Christchurch, November 23rd.

To the Editor of the Globe. Sib, —To-morrow the citizens will hare to decide which of the two candidates shall occupy the Mayoral chair, and it is necessary that the electors should do their duty by conferring the honor on the most deserving of the two. Let us briefly review their claims. First, Mr Ayers bases his claims only on the principle that every councillor shall have his turn. So far so good. But Mr Gapes was a member of the City Council for five years previous to Mr Ayers becoming a member of the same at all; therefore Mr Ayers' plea falls through. Mr Gapes and Mr Ayers were elected subsequently at the same time, about two years ago ; and Mr Gapes being elected by a majority over Mr Ayers, gives him (Mr Gapes) at least priority of claim upon the ratepayers, and that independent of his long previous services which have been so very satisfactory. Now, sir, I consider the ratepayers should give honor to whom honor is due. Mr Gapes has laid his claims clearly and boldly before the public for their consideration, and his statements, not having been con - tradicted, prove what he stated is correct. With Mr Ayers the case is quite the reverse. He has nothing that he oan lay claim to, or we should no doubt have heard of it long ago. Xherefore, I say emphatically, return Mr Gapes, as by far the most deserving of the two. Tours, &c, W. H. DAVENPORT.