Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1917. THE MAYORALTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1691, 27 March 1917, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1917. THE MAYORALTY.

IN his reply (o (he <le|)u(:ilion and petitioners (he Mayor, Mr All'. Eraser, has reiterated his intention not to continue in office for a further term. Had he decided otherwise he would have been assured of election without a contest. Mr Fraser accepted nomination two years ago against Ids will, and only by reason of (lie insistent demand of a large number of burgesses. He I hen indicated that he would not seek re-election. That he has made a personal sacrifice no one will deny, and he discharged his duties faithfully and with his accustomed thoroughness. He was faced with the task of personally supervising the office affairs of the Council on top of his Mayoral duties during the period between the resignation of one Town Clerk and the appointment of a successor. This look up a good deal of time, and added responsibility. A fair amount of time had to be devoted to patriotic affairs, and in this connection the Mayor deprecates (he lack of assistance and enthusiasm —save on the part of one or two —from townspeople. So far as the public is concerned in this connection there has not been a willingness to attend patriotic meetings. Eoxton's remissness is not singular in this connection. The general opinion is held that the Government should deal more liberally with the soldiers and their dependents by imposing the necessary taxation upon the shoulders of those best able to pay, instead of leaving so much to voluntary public efforts. Herein lies the secret of inactivity complained of by the Mayor. The Mayor has carried through negotiations for the

enlargement of the gas works, and the liberal discounts to consumers has greatly increased the output. In this particular the ground has been broken for the incoming mayor, and a policy laid down which, if followed hy his successor, will soon make this undertaking self-support-ing. Owing to war conditions the important rpiestion of water and drainage will probably not be prosecuted for a time, so that the burden of ofliee will not fall very heavilv upon Air Fraser's successor. So far (he only name mentioned in connection with the Mayoralty is Air Chrystall, an ex-Couneillor, and a candidate for the position at the last election. Air Chrystall is held in high esteem locally, is conversant with municipal administration, and would make a worthy successor to Air Fraser. \Ye hope he will see his way to accept nomination for the civic chair.