THE MAYORALTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1071, 4 March 1913, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

A number of residents are asking who is to be Foxton’s next Mayor. Mr Gibbs, who was elevated by his fellow-Councillors to the position for the remainder of the term upon the retirement of Mr Stiles, made it clear at the railway gathering on Friday night, when replying to the toast, or his health, that he intended to offer his services for the next term. By the Mayor’s definite statement it follows that the Mayoralty will not go by default. We believe, however, it is in the best interests of the borough that the Mayoralty should be contested, because it creates a keener interest in municipal affairs and demands from aspirants an evidence of their fitness, for such a high and important position. Councillors and burgesses look for a lead from the Mayor, and if he is lacking in knowledge of detail, tact and initiative, he is a useless figurehead. Ambition, without the other essentials, is wooden. The chief magistrate must be prepared to sacrifice sufficient of his time to oversee things great and small in borough administration. By his own enthusiasm he should inspire his colleagues. To swallow the standing orders and preside over council meetings is within the grasp of any school boy, but the office of Mayor demands ever so much more than this if the borough is to take its place with other towns of similar size. The present Mayor has filled the gap creditably during the current year but has not yet been given the opportunity to tell us what his policy is. This opportunity will be afforded him at an early date. The only other name we have heard mentioned so far is that of Cr Chrystall, a man who stands high in the esteem of his colleagues and townspeople and who possesses a keen grip of public questions. The position is open to all good men and true, who possess a desire to push the town forward and serve their fellows, and we hope that the Mayoralty will not be a walk-over this year.