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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 30 October 1880, Page 2

We are again on the eve of a Mayoral election, and it will soon be the privilege of the ratepayers to make their selection for another term. It has .only just transpired that a selection will be necessary. In was deemed a moral certainty that Mr. Gibbs would have another walk over ; but rumor says that Mr. Shrimski is to appear on the scene. Were we to say that Mr. Shrimski would not adorn the position which it is stated he intends to seek, we migKt lay ourselves open to a charge of having endeavored to influence the minds of the ratepayers by introducing a foreign issue into the contest, should the present indefinite rumor develop into one. We do not wish to influence the minds of the ratepayers ; wc only ask them to I weigh well the merits of the candidates, whoever they may be. Mr. Shrimski is too well known to need any character from us, either favorable or unfavorable. Whatever may be his failings—and we make bold to say that he has as many as most men—he is industrious and persistent. Some people think he is too much so. We will not endeavor to disabuse their minds of such an impression. The ratepayers have now to consider whether these leading peculiarities of Mr. Shrimski ajone entitle "him to their votes and confidence, and they are abl§ to do this without any assistance from us, or, indeed, anyone else. We feel it, however, to be onr duty to state our conviction that the chief characteristics of the occupant of the Mayoral position should be dignified and unselfish, as well as able. Can Mr. Shrimski lay claim to these amongst his other attributes ? "That is the nuestion," as the man says in the play. Would his investiture with Mayoral honors and powers win the respect of the people for the position, or would the position win their respect for the man 1 One or the other would be necessary j but, perhaps neither might be reckoned upon. 4-fter having disposed of these considerations, there ° is another which demands the careful attention of the ratepayers. Mr. Gibbs has so fulfilled his duties as to be entitled to their regard, if not gratitude. Dtiring his occupation of the position he has never given them the slightest cause for dissatisfaction. On the contrary, he lias helped to steer us through difficulties the magnitude of which ha 3, unless he is made of different material from other men, oftpn created within him an almost irresistible longing for retirement. More than this, he has, of his own accord, exercised liberality that is not common amongst public men. Between him and Councillors there has always existed the utmost cordiality. Tnis fact.should, under the circumstances, influence the ratepayers in making their choice, should there be a contest between the two candidates whose names are mentioned. We will add to Mr. Gibbs' other good qualities those of intelligence and common sense, and we have truthfully pourtrayed the character of a man who is in every respect entitled to a renewal of the confidence of the ratepayers, apart from all claims which he may have upon them on account of past services. Had a change been inevitable, they inigljt have been reduced to the necessity of accepting Ifr. Shrimski or looking for another. Fortunately the town is not reduced to such straits.