The Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1885. THE MAYORALTY ELECTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1507, 16 November 1885, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1885. THE MAYORALTY ELECTION.

We are glad to hear that Mr A. Ferguson has consented to come forward as a candidate for the office of mayor. It is very reassuring to see the old tried men again coming to the front m njunicipal matters. The ratepayers generally; will regret to learn that it is Mr Linton's firm determination not to seek office after his present tenure of Mayoral position, for had he wished to retain the position the public would have V unanimously hailed with satisfaction such a desire on his part. There, is much pleasurable anticipation m the reflection that there is a probability, m consideration of the personel of the majority of the present Council, that there, wiU be an end to the bickering arid recrimination that have been too apparently characteristic of recent municipal administration. One or two of the more pronounced elements of discord have recognised the discretion of withjdrawihg themselves from positions m which, by their objectionable taptics .and petty personal antagOr nistns, they had incurred considerable odium and unpopularity. Better and more rational counsels are now likely to prevail, and the effect cannot be otherwise than advantageous to the welfare of the , Borough. It will indicate to the outside public that Palmerston is not retrograding, when its former municipal leaders are again to the fore. Mr F hug itson made an excellent councillor, bring moderate, 6rm, and yet eoncilratory. We have no doubt that , as Mayor lie will command the coufidence and esteem of* the great body of the ratepayers, and we congratulate the community on the fact'that he has consented to come forward. We have not heard of any probable opposition to his candidature, and j we believe that his return is certain. ; It was not his own wish to seek the j position, and it was only after much I

solicitation that he consented to : allow himself to be nominated. He is not averse to undertaking the duties and responsibilities of the Mayoral offce, having; a conviction that every man with a stake m the place should discharge his fair share of the burthen of local self government. He will be a loser m a pecuniary sense m having to. refuse to , supply goods to the order of the Borough, so as to adhere rigidly to the provisions of the Act. His aim and desire are to devote himself disinterestedly to the service of the ratepayers, m his position as Mayor, and discharge the duties appertaining to that office to the very best of his ability. He would gladly even yet withdraw m favour of anyone in' whom the ratepayers could repose confidence and m whose hands their interests would be safely .entrusted, We understand that the wish is general that a worthy successor to Mr Linton should 'be found, and it is m acceding to that wish that Mr F u kg u so m has come forward . We are satisfied that he will bring conscientiousness with moral rectitude and independence to the dis-charge-of his duties, and that he will yield to none m his desire to act with zeal and discretion m every movement calculated to advance the best interests of the municipality.