Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1922. THE MAYOR’S CHALLENGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2392, 14 February 1922, Page 2

Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1922. THE MAYOR’S CHALLENGE.

AT last night’s Council meeting the Mayor created something in the nature of a mild sensation by challenging Cr. Whibley To contest the Mayoralty with him. The object of the Mayor’s challenge was to put to the test a statement which had reached the Mayor to the effect that his defeat by Cr. Whibley for a seat on the Horowhenua Electric Power Board was tantamount to a vote of no-confidence in his administrative qualifications in either capacity. We do not believe the electors lake the same view of the case as the Mayor or his informants, and in any ease an extraordinary election for the Mayoralty, under the circumstances, wan'd not be justified. The Horowhenua Electric Power Board election was a tiling apart from municipal administration, and while the Mayor had justification for feeling sore at his defeat, he must place the blame on Ihe apathy of his supporters, and the lack of any attempt to arouse public interest on the hydro- electric question and its direct bearing upon local industry and progress. We asked for a public meeting, whereat the Mayor could have explained the preliminary work undertaken by the provisional committee, of which he was a member and took a prominent and praiseworthy part. Our suggestion was ignored, and the Mayor missed an

opportunity which may have assured his election. However, the election is over, and the choice of a representative fell on Cr. Whibley, who, we feel sure, will do his best to justify the confidence reposed in him. As for the Mayor, his activities on behalf of the borough are appraised at their true value, and he can rest assured that lie retains the full confidence of the local public, and their best thanks for gratuitous services rendered on the ITvdro-Elcet rie Provisional Commit lee.