THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, 26 November 1892, Page 2

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

TO THE EMTOB OF ; 1 ! HH MANAWATC HKR-VLD. Sir,— As the election of Mayor is drawing nigh (Nye to the winning post), many of your readers have looked iv vain expecting to see letters in the Manawatu Herald as to which candidate should be returned. Last month " Progress " made ft small attempt to chaiige the current ot public feeling and would fain have thrown dust in the eyes of the majority of the burgesses. He (" Progress ") appears to think very little of the other Councillors when he states that Mr Nye was asking a large advance on what he paid for half an acre of land. Surely the men whom we have placed in power will study our interests and do what they consider best. Probably " Progress " himself is a member of the Council. If I remember, rightly, mention was made as to the amount of labour each candidate employed. No doubt each employs as much ag he can make profit out of. If this were to be a guide for voting Mr McMillan would have lost the' k'si election, as the " employers of labour" stood thus: Wilson Ist, Austin 2nd, Osborne 3rd. Mr Nye is mentioned as having held a •' snug billet under Government for mauy years." Very likely that is where he gathered a deal of the experience which has qualified him so admirably for Mayor, and has saved the ratepayers so much money. Anyone looking over the Council books will see that Mr Nye has done the mO3t work in the Council. If the readers of the Manawatu Her»j,d (which are many) will refer to the issue of September 22 they will see such statesmanship information as they are unused to get from Mr McMillan. «' Advance," in the Manawatu Herald of October 27th gave a fair estimation of both candidates, which is admitted by a large majority of the ratepayers, but lie says he will vote for Mr McMillan, apparently in hopes of raising £2000. Mr Nye ha 3 not committed himself to any promise that might increase present taxation. How nice these election cries sound. Baise £2000! Have good roads ! Spend plenty money ! Posterity will pay for it if we can't ! This might catch a few light votes, but right thinking voters reserve their judgment. The Council oannot borrow money for metalling roads, it can only be done for opening up new roads. We have none to open up, so that any ratepayers who have been led astray by that cry will be disappointed. At the recent election the cry of "Water" was raised, when one candidate said he would " stand or fall on that question." I his question is conspicuous by it* absence now. Where is the water.? Echo answers, where! Stand or fall by it ! Very brave ! Spill the last drop of a brother's blood ! We want a man with caution, practical experience, time at his command, willingness to devote a fair portion of rime for public good, integrity, &c, all of which are found in the present Mayor. Mr McMillan is a very nice and popular man (especially with the ladies) and very pleasant to talk to, and, no doubt, does his best considering the short experience he has had. (Of course if he claims experience we will grant it, but he does not exhibit it.) A few years more and he will be an opponent worthy of any in Foxton. By the bye, didn't Mr Nye draw the plans and superintend the building of the Wirikino punt and save the Council about £10. While we admire Mr McMillan's pluck, and wish him success in his private and public life, we feel that we owe posterity a duty and must vote for Nye. Hoping you will grant this space. — I am, &c, Ratepayeb. < [Our correspondent is in error in stating that there are no roads to open up. Chief of all there is the Motoa road whioh for a long distance cannot even be termed "formed," besides a long mileage of by-roads. — Ed. M.H.]