NEW PLYMOUTH MAYORALTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1919, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH MAYORALTY.

It is some years now Bince there was a contest for the New Plymouth Mayoralty, but a departure is to be made on this occasion, when the sitting Mayor is to be opposed. Mr. Blanchard, the contestant, made known his candidature at a time when there was little likelihood of Mr. Burgess being prevailed upon to give his services for another term; otherwise, it is improbable that an election would have been necessary. But a contest is not unwelcome, for it will give the public an opportunity of showing their appreciation of the splendid services given by the Mayor and Mayoress in the interests of the town during the critical war period. No town in New Zealand, we are certain, has been more ably or conscientiously served. Both Mayor and Mayoress have simply dedicated themselves to the welfare of the town and its inhabitants/ and set an example of public service and self-sacrifice' that cannot fail to be of lasting benefit. The town, indeed, is under a real debt of gratitude to them, and is, perhaps, exacting from them more than it has a right to expect in seeking to retain their services for another term. But New Plymouth is on the threshold of a new era, when it can afford to make no mistakes, and must have at the helm an experienced and capable Mayor. In the absence of others with those necessary qualifications, the town has been forced to ask Mr. Burgess to continue in office. That ratepayers will endorse his candidature to-morrow goes without saying. They will, if we mistake not, be only too pleased to give tangible expression to their gratitude and appreciation. The Mayor's administration can, of course, be fairly criticised, but all will admit that the borough has never had a more conscientious or capable administrator, or one whose services were more needed than during the next year or two.