BACKING A CANDIDATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2486, 27 April 1909, Page 4

BACKING A CANDIDATE.

lii his chivalrous attack upon an absent opponent l\Pr W. D. Lysnar complained that Mr William Miller has been put forward by persons whose interests are inimical to the town and inferred that the other Mayoral candidate was merely a puppet in the hands of others. It is, of course, a disadvantage from a tactical point of view that Mr Miller’s absence in Sydney renders it necessary that some acts which in the ordinary way would be executed personally by himself have to be carried out by others on his behalf. But no-ono who knows, Mr Miller will believe that he will ever consent to act as a “go-between” for any individual or set of individuals. His manifesto dealing with the chief political questions agitating Gisborne just now was penned by himself prior to his departure, and is quite sufficient to indicate his general policy, whilst it is absurd to suggest that once in the Mayoral chair his actions will he dominated by others. He is known to be a honest man. therefore ho will keep his pledges; he is known to be a capable man, therefore be will handle important matters in a practical commonsense manner', he known to be both firm and tactful, therefore he will lead his fellow councillors instead of attempting to drive them, and will thus give effect to the schemes he has in hand for the welfare of the town with the least possible friction. To argue that Mr Miller should not be e’ected because .a number of business men are supporting him is surely the argument of a desperate opponent. The fact that the most successful men in the community, those who have largo interests at stake, are supporting MiMiller is proof positive that they soe in him one- who can safely be entrusted with the business of the town. But to urge that because men like Messrs A. F. Kennedy, C. B. deLautour and others are anxious to see Mr Miller elected the workers should therefore oppose him is manifestly absurd. MiMiller has never been a “class” man, but quite tlie reverse. Like many other New Zealanders lie is a democrat of democrats, inclined to radicalism rather than conservatism, and his sympathies have always been with, the masses. To label Mr Miller as one who would use a public position to advance the special desires of a particular class is to make an unworthy and entirely unwarranted insinuation. Both from his disposition and past record the workers of the district can have a greater prospect of being fittingly represented by their fellow townsman, Mr Miller, than by his opponent, w.hbse sympathies have on many occasions been shown to be inimical to those who carry -on ipanual tabor.