THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Observer, Volume XXIII, Issue 32, 25 April 1903, Page 2

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

A Stirring Contest Expected

THOUGH there are four candidates in the held for the Mayoralty of

Auckland, the contest will really lie between Messrs James Stichbury and Edwin Mitchelson. These two represent the opposing forces. Messrs Hewson and Kichaidson will poll a certain number of votes, each having his own friends and supporters, but their candidature cannot be taken seriously. The fight will be between Mr Stichbury, who champions the existing policy of municipal government, and Mr Mitchelson, who has undertaken to institute a system of reform. The issue has been tersely expressed : " Things as they are versus things as they ought to lie."

Whether things ought to be different is for the ratepayers to say. It is alleged that in the two years since Mr ( Joldio left office the municipal /inn, -ices have gone to the bad to the extent of £19,36"). Mr Stichbury answers this by thestatemen t that M r Goldie starved the streets, that an extraordinary expenditure'became necessary for this reason and because ot the tramway laying, and that the last two years lias been a period of municipal progress unequalled in the city of Auckland. It is not necessary to follow the details of the controversy. On the one hand, Mr Stichbury says the affairs of the city have been well managed, and that additional ratingisnot necessary. On the other, Mr Gohlie and the party who have induced Mr Mitchelson to come forward denounce the recent administration as extravagant and muddlesome, and say that additional taxation can be avoided only by greater economy and radical reform.

Both these candidates are men of strong personality. Both command popularity and public centidence. Mr Mitchelson possesses a strong claim upon the consideration of the people by reason of his splendid record of public service in Parliament. For many years he was a member of the House, for much of that time he was a Cabinet Minister, and he also tilled the high and responsible position of Acting-Premier with conspicuous ability. Moreover, in local politics he has given much time and attention to the public service. Hearing in mind his great political record and his admirable administrative capabilities, the people of Auckland have reason to congratulate themselves upon the fact that this election has given thetn the option of the services of such an able and irreproachable man as chief magistrate of the city.

Although Mr Stichbury has never sat in Parliament, he has ever been a worthy citizen, and has filled many of the public offices within the gift of the people with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. It is how nine years since lie was elected to the City

Council, since which time he haft been chairman of its Finance Committee, member of the Harbour Board, and chairman of the Hospital Board, besides tilling a number of minor office?. He'is also an old friendly societies man, and the vice-president of quite a number of social clubs. In everything he has undertaken, Mr Stichbury has shown the commendable qualities of diligence and thoroughness, which are two of his characteristics, and his municipal training is a guarantee thai he is qualified for the position to which he aspires.

These are the candidates, and, whatever the result, the contest will be a keen one. Both gentlemen are well supported. It is understood that the Roman Catholics are giving Mr Stichbury their help, and that he has been chosen as the nominee of the Liberal and Labour Federation. On the other hand, Mr Mitchelson has behind him the full strength of the Ratepayers' Association, and a large volume of public opinion that is restless under the present municipal administration, and is determined upon bringing about substantial reform. Whichever way the result goes, however, Auckland is assured of a capable M ayo r.