MAYORAL CONTEST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5, 27 April 1914, Page 5

MAYORAL CONTEST.

[To The Editor Stbatvord Post.] Sir, —Mr King evidently underestimated the intelligence of his audience when he said he would endeavour to dress up what ho terms the Electric Light Bogey in the wearing apparel of Messrs Kirkwood, Fredric and myself. May 1 suggest that the so-called bogey would feel more comfortable, in the garments of Mr R. Masters. Quitting such persiflage, I must say that I was astonished to hear Mr King declare that he had not opposed the deputation going to Wellington. He and' Councillor Masters both strenuously opposed it in debate as they did the resolution to advise the Minister of Public Works concerning the County petition. Tinder these circumstances Mr King must forgive me if 1 doubt his sincerity, and I remark as a curious phenomenon the applause which arose frnn at least one director of the company when. Mr King announced that “he had done with the Company.” Will Mr King deny that his most active and strenuous supporters include those whose interests are founded in the Electrical Supply Company. Can he explain their urgent desire to return him as Mayor when he has disowned them. The charge of hostility towards the Company is palpably ridiculous. iThe Borough representatives are simjply conserving the interests of the burgesses, and the actions of the (Company have forced them to resist. .The danger of purchase of the Company’s undertaking by arbitration lies in the probability that we would hare to pay for material which would be useless to us. The arbitrators would merely state the value of the material and business, and we would have to pay it, even though the whole iustal-

lation had to bo scrapped twelve months later. Mr King’s reference to Mr Kirkwood’s efforts concerning the Opunake railway was ungenerous, unjust and unwise. I urgently contend that every honest effort put forth for the public welfare is worthy of commendation whether that effort .end in success or failure. But if success he the only measure of worthiness surely Mr King’s experience as a Parliamentary candidate is no recommendation. I sincerely trust that whatever the result of the present contest the veracity of the electors will not be questioned.—Yours, etc., J. B. RICHARDS. 27th April, 1914.