The Daily News THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1903. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 104, 30 April 1903, Page 2

The Daily News THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1903. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

The result of tho election for Mayor and for Councillors for the Central abd East Wards showed that the ratepayers of the town were determined to have a change. In the West Ward there was! no contest, but two of the sitting mem bers iet'red, and though there was no eLc ion two new members were secured there, v'z., Messrs A. J. Edmunds a-.d [L. W. Alexander. In the East Wa»d I two of the sitting members were up, but only one secured his return, while two new members in the persons of Messrs Stanley Smith and A. W. Wocds were returned, The ratepayers of the East Ward have lost a painstaking and capable representative in Mr A. Lealand, whose dtfeat is to be regretted, although they have secured two exceedingly capable and energetic councillors to fill the vacancies. In the Central Ward, Mr Carter, one of thesitting members was defeated, and his place taken by Mr Oonnett, This is something <f a surprise, as Mr Cartsr was an exceedingly industiious and well ibfoimed member, and one who always did his bust to keep ratspayers posted with what was going on, and he certaii ly deserved a better fate at the hands of the ratepayers, Indeed, his saat was considered very sife, and we fear that is reilly the c xuse of his defeat, as nnny probably pluuape<i for Mr Connett to secure his reture, thinking Mr Carter safe. When w« come to the Miyoral contest, we find rthat can be done with uud careful organisation. Mr Cock was supported by a strong and thoroughly wellorginisad committee, who certainly left no stone unturned to secure his return, and his splendid majority is the result, and, although we did rot support Mr Cock, he U to be heartily congratulated on his victory over such a vet« ran as bis opponent. The latter is enti'kd to much sympathy, because of the br.ak-up of his former supporters and the misrepresentation he and the Cou&cil ha» been subjected to. Mr Dockrill has not been fairly treated, as 1 he was qui' e willing to retire in favour of same one else, but while one section' of hisf imds were urging him to stand, anothor section were unable to agree on a Candida's to replace him. The loss of several prominent supporters, and the general disorganised condition of his friend?, was the real cause of his defeat, which, considering his past service?, was altogether undeserved,