THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Shannon News, 24 April 1923, Page 3

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

MR MURDOCH ADDRESSES ELECTORS. Oa Saturday; night the Mayor (Mr Murdoch) addressed a meeting of electors opposite Mr l-look’s, Plimmer Terrace, in support of his candidature. Mr Murdoch prefaced his remarks l,y stating that so far as his opponent and himself were concerned there was no personal difference and he hoped die contest would he conducted free from personalities, hut although the would not indulge in any personalities he would criticise his opponent’s views where he thought fit. The speaker said lie had no objection to any deputation of citizens wailing on Mr Fargher or anyone else inviting them to contest a public position but he objected to persons using innuendos to misrepresent any opponent. This had been done in the case of the deputation itieit wailed on Mr Fargher. The innuendo contained iiPsooie of the reported remarks was plainly that the speaker was not progressive. Now those who implied this knew perfectly well that such statements were untrue. The speaker then, in support of his contention that he was progressive, went back 5.) years when the Borough was first formed. He said lie called the first meeting and-'pre-pared the petition and at] other necessary papers but some of those who were accusing Hrim of being non-pro-gressive had refused pointblank to assist in finding, the necessary sum to be lodged with the Government. He idalined that lie alone was answeraible for (tie purchase of ihe five acres and roadman’s dwelling and outlined the difficulties overcome at the time for the want of money. The land was now in the name of the Council and 4.) per cent. rvas paid on the loan for the purchase money. The Council could easily make £4OO on its bargain if they wished to sell..

In the housing scheme he’ gave Cr. Hyde credit for the manner in which he had urged this ■ matter and the speaker claimed that he . had given every assistance by raising the than and getting the necessary information to carry out the scheme. In the matter of the water scheme he had always furthered the idea but of necessity it. was only now the work could be gone on Avith. He would have been wholly wanting in any idea of responsibility if he had attempted to go on with a water scheme AVilh iron three times its normal value; it would hlave taken thra|e times the money to have put the water , scheme through, but when ■ iron fell the scheme was immediately placed before, the ratepayers and 'carried by a large majority. The scheme, if he was returned as Mayor, jwoutd be carried out ip a thorough manner. For the three loans viz. roadman’s dwelling, housing,- and water, thespeaker claimed that he had prepared all the necessary papers and guided the Council through all the stages and he had personally negotiated and - socured the money in each of the loans at per cent. He claimed that tins was sound and good finance. Mr Murdoch said he, had: never been irr favour of wild finance, but was in favour of sane and proper progress and was also in favour of--judicious borroAving to improve the town, hutsaid Ave must remember that there were only a few people here to bear the burden. The money to be borrowed must be for permanent works and conveniences. Hie had served the town faithfully in the past and would- do so again if returned. A few questions were asked, - and cheers were thien given for the speaker and a vote ;of thanks and confidence was carried.