THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1912. "MASTERTON'S MAYOR."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10614, 22 April 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1912. "MASTERTON'S MAYOR."

Twelve months ago to-day the Wiairarapa Age published an article under the heading "Masteruwi's Mayer." Mr J. M. Cbradine appeal's so anxious that the public should know what the Age thought of him at that time, that he is publishing the article in. both papers. Here it is; "The return of Mr J.'M. Cdradine to the position of Chief Magistrate of .Masterton without opposition is a Igraeeful and deseived tribute to a gentleman'who", during-the pafit year, Iris devoted both time and energy to the affair of the Borough. Mr Coradine is a shrewd and practical man of business,, who does not spare himself when there is w-ork to perform, . and •who has,.the rare faculty of achieving his purpose without undue friction. It 'ifi satisfactory to find that the whole of the retiring Councillors have shown a willingness to place their services at the disposal of the ratepayers for hi further period, and to assist the Mayor in the performance of his arduous duties." -

I On Satunlay Just we again acknowledged the capacity of Mir Coradine for work. .During ■the. year, however, incidents bave transpired wlikfli have caused not only ourselves, hut a large section of the community,. to modify the opinion enti>rt«ined*iconeeriiing.Mr Cbradene's .fitness for .the position of Chief Magistrate of this town. Twelve: 1 ■month* ago Mr Coradine showed a dis--position to work for |the advancement of the general interest of the Borough, although Jie did not then take /the ratepayers into his confidence. 'lt is a usual thing in the niunh-ipati-fcies of the Dominion to give a Mayor •two years of service, .so that he might <>e afforded -ample- opportunity of "making good." Mr .Coradine has mow occupied liho dtfaii' for two years,

and we challenge him, as wo have a a'ignfc to do as guardians of !tlie pub3ic interest, to sHiow what .he has*k>ne to justify a continuance of the public supporit. We have no personal grudge against the retiring (Mayor. Wo respecit him ae ia citizen. But wo regrot to say it'hat his comluCb of the affairs of the Borough during the past few months has not impressed us eiftlier with Ma dignity, impartiality or general capacity. .The speech Tie made in the Town Hall on Friday night was unworthy of n person holding the position or chief citizen. It was as ungenerous as it was unsportsmanlike. By that speech alone. Mr Coradino showed that ho does not appreciate tho dignity .of tihe position to whidh he aspires. Ho has, in fact, condemned himself out of his own mouth.