The Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Dally Newspaper on tbe West Coast. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1885. THE MAYORALTY ELECTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1566, 26 November 1885, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Dally Newspaper on tbe West Coast. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1885. THE MAYORALTY ELECTION.

As was generally expected Mr Ferguson has been returned by a considerable majority to the position of Mayor of the Borough of Palmerston North- The ratepayers have acted discreetly m the choice made, which they will, we feel confident, have no reason to regret. Mr Ferguson has proved himself worthy of confidence and we are satisfied will discharge the duties of the office with integrity, zeal, and a genuine desire to advance the interests of the Borough. We may say here that we think Mr Ferguson took up a rather too independent stand m the matter of his candidature. Some of the ratepayers felt aggrieved m their votes not being solicited m the usual way, as they reason on the principle that what is not worth asking for is not worth giving. The ratepayers have the privilege of voting for Mayor at fixed periods, and they like the candidate to go through the customary formality of soliciting their support. A number of ratepayers abstained from voting altogether yesterday solely on these grounds. They felt that they could not vote for the other candidate on principle, and as a matter of duty which they recognised as incumbent on them m consideration of a proper regard for the present and future welfare of the Borough ; and yet they considered they had been slighted m not having been asked for their support. We are sure nothing was further from Mr Ferguson's wish or thought than to cause any ratepayer to think that his or her support was not valued. The omission was purely accidental and unintentional, though some of the partizans of the other side made the utmost of it with a view to disparage Mr Fkrguson^s candidature, and damage his chances. However, no more need be said on the subject. We trust that all party feeling will now subside, and that a united and harmonious sprit will continue to exist between the Mayor and Council, and that a bond of sympathy and mutual esteem and confidence will characterise the relationships subsisting between the ratepayers and their representative m the, Municipal Chamber. Without that mutual confidence matters cannot progress satisfactorily, or the town advance as it should. We congratulate Mr Ferguson on his return by such a substantial majority, and we have a confident belief that he will do his very utmost to discharge with conscientious zeal and a disinterested regard for the interests of the community, the responsible duties appertaining to the office of Mayor.