THE MAYORALTY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 81, 2 April 1912, Page 5

THE MAYORALTY.

DEPUTATION TO THE PRESENT MAYOR.

HIS DECISION DEFERRED

A deputation of influential citizens waited on the Mayor this morning. Mr. N. J. King being at their head. Mr. Fling said they 'recognised that Mr. Masters' was the. right man for the position, whatever a small section of tiie public might say to the contrary. Of course, there were always some people ready to find fault, but They; know he had filled the chair with "credit to the Borough, and honour to himself. He had had a difficult Council to control, but had handled them very satisfactorily indeed. Stratford was on the eve of great progress’, and they needed an efficient Mayor to conduct their affairs—they needed a man of the highest business acumen. (Hoar, hear.) He assured Mr. Masters of their support, if he would contest the Mayoralty for another year.

Mr. G. Smart endorsed Mr. King’s remarks, and Mr. J. McAllister also spoke;. • X . Mr. Joseph McCluggage said Mr. Masters had been badly misrepresented over the electric light business, but tnore was no need to discuss that. He was sure Mr. Masters, if be consented to stand, would be returned at the bead of the poll. (Applause.) Another speaker said Stratford required a good man, and Mr. Masters was that man. The Mayor said he fully appreciated their kindness. Of course, every public man had to get abuse, in fact, the more good work lie was doing, the more abuse he would get. Jt was aard for him not to accede to their request. Ho had had thirteen solid years on the Council, two as Mayor. He had made mistakes, but had endeavoured to do to the best of his ability “to run straight.’* He had had to neglect Id's business, and it required his attention. At the same time, he realised they were in a difficult position at present. He felt before many years were over they would feel he was right with regard to the Electric Light loan. Time would tell that. There was the matter of the loan proposal. Ho had been waiting to see if a good man would come forward as a candidate for the Mayoralty. ihey were well aware that there was a faction who wanted the greater part oi the loan money spent on three bridges to cost about £IO,OOO. Could tuey afford that? It would kill their loan, and they realised they wanted the money badly enough. He had a suggestion to make, aiid it was this: Ho wanted to see Mr King stand as Mayor, and lie would contest Mr. King’s place on the Council. (Hear, near). It would improve the Council and, suit him better. He would like Mr King to fall in with his suggestion. Mr Rutherford seconded the proposition. . Mr McCluggage said if Mr. Masters absolutely declined to stand, thej would throw all their energies into support ng Mr King. Mr King said he did not feel inclined to take it on. His own business required attention. He thought that the best thing was to get Air Masters to stand. He contested against Mr Masters once, but had always supported him ou any work that was foi the welfare of the Borough. He "took it as a great compliment, indeed, to know what he had done was appreciated. It was eventually understood thai Mr Musters will re-consider his decision. The deputation then thanked tlu Minor for his courtesy, and withdrew.

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