"IN BAD TASTE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 27, 23 April 1927, Page 9

"IN BAD TASTE”

AN OFFENDING “AD.” MR. BLOODWORTH HITS BACK A QUESTION OF CHARACTER “Until this morning this campaign for the mayoralty has been conducted In good taste,” remarked Mr. Bloodworth at Grey Lynn last evening, “but one of the candidates, or at least his representatives, have committed a most regrettable breach.” Mr. Bloodworth said that in yesterday’s papers there appeared an advertisement which stated that the fight was really between two candidates—the writer of the advertisement was a little off the mark, because it was between four —and asserting that on the one side there was a representative standing for sound, sane, economical administration. That would not be s.o bad, were it not for the advertisement going on to say that one represented municipal experience, and high moral character, while the other, despite avowed loyalty, might at any time be subjected to pressure from the Trades Hall. “The Inference,” stated Mr. Bloodworth, “is that I am not of high moral character. I want to say this, that if Mr. Warnock or any other person knows anything about my moral character they should say it now, and let the people know about their candidate. because, next'week, I will be mayor of Auckland—prolonged applause—and I shall expect to be treated with the respect which that office demands. “I have said nothing* about the characters of the other candidates, and I am pleased to see that this breach is confined to one of them. The only quarrel I have with either of the other candidates, is that I do not think they possess the qualifications of leadership necessary to the position. MR. WARNOCK INCORRECT 4 I am particularly surprised at Mr. Warnock’s supporters opening a question like this, because 1 am forced to reply to it. Mr. Warnock stated that he voted against the increase in the tram fares. I was doubtful, and I have looked up the minutes and I found that he did not. When I stated this Mr. Warnock asserted that he voted against them in the committee. That also was contrary to my recollections. “I remember that I tried to have the matter held over until we could get figures showing the position, and that Mr. Warnock supported me, and that this motion was lost, as was also one of similar objects moved by Mr. Warnock, which I supported. I then find that, according to the minutes, Mr. Warnock seconded the adoption of the tramway manager’s report recommending the increases—and there was no need for a yone to second it in committee at all. Finally, when it came to voting for the date or the increases to come into effect. I particularly noticed Mr. Warnock’s hand wobbling up. Of what use as mayor is a man who cannot remember how he voted We can admire a man who votes straight out on a question w’hether we think he is wrong or right, but the mayoralty of Auckland requires someone who definitely takes up a position and stick* to it. “I do not infer that Mr. Warnock would tell an untruth, but I do say that he has made very serious mistakes, and both on the same matter. Let him get on with that and defend his character.”