ELECTION OF MAYOR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4283, 11 December 1874, Page 2

ELECTION OF MAYOR.

TO THE EDITOR, Sm, —Tho citizens of Wellington will shortly be called upon to exercise the privilege conferred upon them by the last Parliament —to elect a Mayor for the city of Wellington. This being the case, it x* time that they were up and doing. Every effort should be made to place the best man we can secure at the head of municipal affairs. If Mr. Hunter had consented to stand, he would have been the right man in the right place ; but no one can feel surprised that he declined the honor, when the multiplicity of his public duties are taken into account. But Ido not give the post any credit for sincerity in introducing him as a candidate. It will be remembered how strenuously that papetflopposed tho election of Mr. Hunter as a member for the city in tho House of Representatives, and how every ineans_ within reach were adopted to defeat his election. I therefore conclude that it was not because the writers in that journal had any particular liking for Air. Hunter, but that they hated Mr. Dransfleld more, and hoped by this means to defeat his prospect of success at the polling booth. Mr. Hunter having declined to be made the obedient tool of the presiding genius of the Post, it could scarcely be civil, but commenced abusing him at once. Mr. Mantell was then asked to be put in nomination, but judiciously declined. It is well known that lie is fond of a joke ; butalthough partial to making jokes upon others, he did not see the propriety of having a practical joke played upon himself. Mr. George Crawford, good-natured man, was next operated upon ; but he was too canny to bo led into the trap so ingeniously baited for him. And last of all, Mr. Moorhouse has been tempted, and has fallen into their meshes. What a singular spectacle that journal presents. With the deadliest hatred against Mr. Vogel, yet it is now the warmest and most unscrupulous supporter of his lieutenant, in the person of Mr, Moorhouse. Mr. Moorhouse may be all that is said of him, yet allow me to say that it is most suspicious to observe the company he is in, and the quarter from which he receives his support. The citizens are perfectly aware that tho most unscrupulous means have been adopted by the writers in the Post to traduce tho public character of Mr. Dransficld; that a feud of tho most inveterate kind exists between the editorof that journal and the gentleman named, and this is the only explanation that can be given for the ludicrous position it now occupies. And what is all this fuss about? Has not Mr. Dransfield served the citizens faithfully and well? Compare the present proceedings at the City Council board with what they were when he presided. Then they were conducted in a business-like style; now.it is at times a perfect bear-garden, and the exhibitions which take place there a laughing stock to the whole colony. Then the •work required to be done by the Council was prepared for the Councillors’ consideration; now it is all haphazard whether anything is done or not. The change of Mayors was brought about in a largo measure by the unscrupulous assertions of the Post ; assertions, which, on the most searching enquiry being made, have proved to be without the slightest foundation. Tho best proof of this is, that those Councillors who were formerly Mr. Dransflcld’s bitterest opponents arc now his warmest supporters. With respect to the anticipated changes in the constitutional government of thecouutry, itishighlynecesaary to have a person at the helm of corporate affairs who is perfectly well informed as regards city matters, and who lias the ability and will to steer the vessel through tho storm that is now impending. The citizens are largely indebted to Sir. Dransfleld for tho time and ability he has already devoted to their service, and I am pleased to observe that, notwithstanding the mendacity of the Evening Post, he has had the courage to comply with the wishes of his fellow citizens and to allow himself to be put in nomination for the Mayoralty ; and I feel confident, notwithstanding the assertions to the contrary, that he will be placed where he deserves to bo—at the head of the poll.—l am, &c„ Citizen.