THE MAYORALTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2169, 20 April 1908, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY.

(To tho Editor.) Sir, —I am fortunato in having succeeded in my quest for at least one who was not ashamed to declare openly in tho press, above his own name, his .support of Mr. W. iD. Lvsnar's candidature. This I believo is the first occasion on record. I am, however, unfortunate in not having excited the attention of anyone who could answer my letter, or point to anything -untrue in it, for this .Mr. lan 'Siinsou certainly has not done. While condemning me for what ho is pleased to term abuse, he appears to have gone dangerously near to abusing mo himself, and has written practically nothing in answer to my criticisms. Your-correspondent, like many other people, seems unable to distinguish between criticism and abuse, for my letter was entirely a criticism of Mr. W. D. Lysnar’s characteristics as a public man, and his methods and policy in that capacity. I nevertheless consider that I am entitled, in common with any other citizen, to consider and criticise fully and openly, not only tho public services of any man aspiring to municipal honors, but also his private character, where it may bo expected to reflect upon his public position. I may consider whether a man is an honest man in his dealings between man and man, so that I may como to a conclusion as to his worthiness for that position. I may consider openly and publicly any such man’s professional or business records, because surely it is a fair _ argument that whatever a man is in liis private affairs, lio is likely to ho in a public capacity. It is only by so doing that I in common with all other citizens can decide whether the candidate is a person whom wo may delight to honor. Mr. Simson thinks it is sufficient if a candidato is a good business man. Surely, although this is portant it is not everything, the chief magistrate of tho town should bo, like Caesar’s wife, abovo suspicion. If, as your correspondent states, there are “many innuendos, covert sneers, and carping insinuations’* aimed at Mr. Lysnar’s .private and public character, why is he so extraordinarily sensitivo if there is no justification ? Mr. Simson’s experience as Mayor of Gore for many years should"-have taught him that public men are .subjected to this, hut that it does not disturb their equanimity if there is no justification or if there is justification, where they have a phenomenally thick skin. _ Further, it may he said that sometimes innuendos and insinuations are made by people who, while knowing the truth, do not care to utter it, because they are not anxious to rush into expensive litigation—for public men of doubtful integrity frequently shelter themselves under lire Law of Libel—and because of the fact that Supremo Court actions not fully decided are sub iudice, and may not ho referred to. There is, however, no obstacle to a reference to, or extract from, a Judge’s or magistrate’s judgments, and frequently these may be found to be of considerable interest to the general public. As this is in the nature of a reply to Mr. Simson’s letter—as far as there is anything in it to reply to —I propose to defer my criticism of Mr. W. D. Lysnar’s qualifications for the .position of Mayor, to a later issue of your paper, and conclude by advising your correspondent, who offers opinions on tho subject of abuse, to “first cast the beam out of his own eye so that he may see more clearly to cast out the mote” from liis brother’s.—l am, eP_., W. LISSANT CLAYTON.