The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, APRIL 3,1909. MR W. MILLER’S CANDIDATURE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2467, 3 April 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, APRIL 3,1909. MR W. MILLER’S CANDIDATURE

Mr Miller and his supporters introduced a new phase into local politics yesterday, when they held a public noting in the afternoon to which ladies were specially invited, and at which very complete arrangements were made for the personal comfort of those who attended. The innovation was a very happy one, and the large attendance of the fair sex was ample evidence of their appreciation of the consideration devoted to them. Though the majority of the audience was composed of ladies there were sufficient of men present to give the gathering something of the pretensions of an ordinary public meeting.

Mr Miller was making his maiden effort as an aspirant for mayoral honors and the matter and manner of his speech were such as to fully justify the opinions of his supporters -,-i selecting him as a candidate. Mr Miller rightly mentioned that the contest would not be won from the public platfotm, but, we may add, if the issue did so rest, his supporters coiikl be very sanguine as to the result. Though somewhat hesitating in speech Mr Miller has an apt gift, of expression, and states his v.iews with a definiteness and clearness that (appeal strongly to his audience. He does not cover up his subject in useless verbiage, but treats in a practical manner upon the public questions of the day. Without any of the * arts of the polished orator, Mr Miller, nevertheless, is enabled by his native shrewdness to gauge very accurately the temper of his audience, and thus to talk of the things they want to hear just as long as they are desirous of listening and no longer. 'This, by the way, is a trait that is markedly absent from many public speakers who have a reputation as orators. Thus we find Mr Miller deliberately anticipating the objections that his opponents will possibly raise against him and demolishing them so effectively that they will be of little value -as ammunition in the future. The suggestions that the candidate should not be chosen because he is unmarried, that he is leaving for Sydney because he is “afraid to face the music,” and that he is a tool of a particular party were all taken up and vigorously replied ,to. Mr Miller’s answers were so definite as to leave not the slightest loophole for misunderstanding as to his meaning, and the frankness with with he took his hearers into his confidence is deserving of the utmost commendation. Mr, Miller assured l.’.s hearers that arrangements had already beeii made which, in the event of his election, would ensure. the social obligations of his office being discharged in a manner befitting the* town. It had been alleged that his- business interests might call him away so frequently that he would not be able to give the , necessary attention to the Borough affairs and to this tho candidate gave a straight Out undertaking that if elected he would remain in Gisborne and devote the full time necessary to the duties of his office. Nothing could be more satisfactory than this and it should effectually dispose of . an objection that is sedulously being circulated by Mr Miller’s opponents. “ What have I to .fear? My past is known to every boy and girl in Gisborne,” was a sample of his blunt, manly reply to some of the baseless charges which are being seized upon by the opposition. ..; . . .. . * Coming to the programme of tho now candidate, one is immediately struck by the practical commonsense nature of his views upon the leading subjects of tho day. He favors tho policy just adopted by the Council in regard to sanitation, and will also arrange to have a loan for roads promptly submitted to the ratepayers. As he says, it is practically certain that a proposal hacked up by reliable figures would receive the hearty support of the public. Harbor matters justly receive special attention and Mr Miller leaves no uncertainty as to his position under this head. He favors the putting of a (scheme lor an | Outer Harbor before the ratepayers, I but at tho same time justifies the present policy of the Board in making complete arrangements to keep the -nner harbor in a satisfactory condition. Most of our readers will agree .with bis contention that there is room for improvement in the present methods of handling passengers and luggage; at the wharf, and his idea of layMg down a

comprehensive system for the extension of shed accommodation :»].pears to he thoroughly soundi, A mt'vncr to which Mr Miller has given special attention in the proposal to lock the AVaiinata and Tafaheru Rivers, and there is little doubt that if elected, his mayoral year will find something definite dene in this important project. The candidate did well to draw attention to the. natural charms of our two rivers, for in the past there has been far too little attention given to the aesthetic aspect- of the town’s develop ment. There is n’o doubt that, with a moderate expenditure, Gisborne could be made the queen town of the Dominion. We share the regret of others that opportunity has not been given to hear Mr Miller at a big pnb'io meeting prior to his departure for Sydney ,and trust that lie may yet find it possible to address one before poiling day. The public have a right to meet a candidate face to face before an election so that they may put to him any question concerning’ which they desire enlightenment. However, this appears to be impossible in the present instance, and having undertaken to sacrifice his personal interests to those of the people after the election, it is not reasonable to suggest that he should wreck an important business venture by refusing to study the interests of himself and partners during the next fortnight. In any case, Mr. Miller has left no stone unturned to make liis views known through the press, and as Ills personality is already -well known to Gisborneites, his temporary absence should not be allowed to militate against any support to which he would otherwise be entitled.