The Mayoral Contest.

Manawatu Herald, 16 November 1893, Page 2

The Mayoral Contest.

Another, who considers himself mightier than the first candidate for the Mayoralty, has arisen. It is evident these two Borough Councillors are not in accord as to what is best to be done, or, when Mr Williams announced his intention to stand why does Mr Austin say he will have none of him ? These are matters as yet beyond the ken of the Burgesses, ; but. they must not be co for long, as, for Mr Austin's chances, it must be thoroughly well understood on what subjects the difference

exists. We are not prepared to credit the candidate who has la?!; announced himself with conceit, or that he simply thinks be is a better nmn than Mr -Williams, because we do not believe he would desire any Burgess to believe so ; but upon any claims of public service Mi 1 Williams has points in hand* We are bound therefore to bplieve that the opposition has arisen from purely public motive?, an<l from objection to a policy Mr Williams might originate. If these are the. true grounds, Mr Austin is to be complimented on coming forward and testing the feel ing of the ratepayers. We would ask that no votes be blindly pledged to eithor candidate, as elections often go the wrong way by impulsive persons promising support to a candidate whose views are not known. A question of policy is a matter of much moment, and if laid clearly before the public will have all to do with how votes are recorded more than any personal feeling will have, therefore by all means let a. meeting be called when these things can be explained. We have said before, and say again, that so far as we know the views of the candidates, Mr Williams will make the better Mayor, and that his long service as a Councillor entitles him to the position ; but these feelings have no right- to induce support if another candidate can clearly show that the steps he would adopt would be more to the advantage of the town. A meeting is therefore most necessary, before canvassing takes place.