The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 1st., 1913.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1091, 1 May 1913, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May Ist., 1913.

The result of the local municipal elections has given ample proof that the people are perfectly satisfied with the past administration of their affairs, and those who have been busy fault-finding have been called upon to stand down. Fair, fearless and intelligent criticism is essential to good government and should be welcomed at Council meetings, but very unfair and groundless charges were levelled against some of those who in the past havd done yoeman service for the borough. The people have silently given their answer to these charges. We heartily congratulate Mr Stiles upon his handsome victory. Had Foxtou done otherwise it would have resulted in a regrettable scandal. We may not be able to see eye to eye in everything Mr Stiles may do or say in his public capacity, but we believe he has been actuated in the past by the highest motives in his public acts, and not one of his opponents can point the finger to a serious error committed. His opponents should remember that a Mayor possesses certain prerogatives and at no time has he exceeded the limits in this connection. We believe his actions in the past will justify the splendid confidence reposed in him at yesterday’s poll. In respect to Mr Stiles’ opponent, the thanks of the burgesses are due to Mr Harvey for placing his services at their disposal. He is practically a stranger to the town, and his publicspirited consent to a request to take his share of our civic affairs is commendable. While the contest was responsible for a greater interest being infused into the election, we question the wisdom of the deputation in urging Mr Harvey to contest the mayoralty. Had they limited the office to that of Councillor it would have given Mr Harvey an opportunity to win his spurs, but to ask him, under the circumstances, to accept the highest honour in the gift of the burgesses, was a step beyond the bounds of discretion. It is hoped that now the fight is won all will again unite and work for the common good of the town. We shall deal with the new Council in a subsequent issue.