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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5444, 7 September 1878, Page 2

In the temporary absence of the members of the House of Representatives the interest of the public is naturally attracted to the approaching municipal elections. Tbs'.nominations, which wore handed in yesterday a full quarter of an hour before the appointed time, number in all ten names. Of these four, Messrs. Hanks, Coffey, Miller, and Port, are standing for Cook Ward ; two, Messrs. Taylor and Andrew Young, for Te Aro, and two each for Lambton and 'i'horndon Wards. In tho two latter districts alone are there as yet any. signs of a keen contest. Lambton Ward has for the last few days been the scene of a most, energetic canvass by both candidates, and it is not improbable, we hoar, that Mr. J'. A. Allan may once more find himself filling a seat in the new Council Chamber. The requisition to Mr. Thompson, however, hoars the signatures of many of the most influential burgesses of the ward, and we shall feel much surprised if cither candidate obtains a largo majority. But if tho contest in Lambton Ward is likely to be a keen one that in Thorndon promises to be still more so. . The names of the rival candidates aro on everybody’s lips, and their individual merits aro • being most carefully canvassed. In the first instance a requisition was presented to tho Hon. W. B. D. Mantel), who, however, unwilling for various reasons himself to bo nominated, declined in favor of Dr. Newman. The contest, therefore, for the vacant seat rests between the latter gentleman and Mr. J. Maginity. It is not for us to institute what Mrs. Gamp would term odorous comparisons between these two gentlemen. Mr. Maginity is a man noted for his geniality of temperament and pleasing Tjonhommic. We have watched with a critical eye his actions in tho Council during tho past year, and believe .him to bo amongst the most useful and practical of tho present Councillors. It he has not done very much in tho way of brilliant work, he has at least kept himself clear of those useless and irritating discussions that have distinguished our City Council. On tho other hand, Dr. Newman, although somewhat new to public life, has already given many evidences of his ability to deal with matters of public importance, and from tho energy with which he has always devoted himself to .any work that he bad once taken in hand, wo aro led to expect excellent service from him if elected to tho Council As a man who has had special training in sanitary matters, and one who is abreast of the knowledge of the day in many scientific questions, he should be able to help materially the future progress and prosperity of the city.