The Gisborne Times PUBLISHES DAILY. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1927. THE MAYORALTY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10310, 20 January 1927, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHES DAILY. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1927. THE MAYORALTY

It is well-known that Mr Wildish; who has, for several years, filled the important post of Mayor of the town,.‘does not intend to be an aspirant for the office m April next, as he is leaving the district. Who his successor should be has been a subject of much dicussion amongst the electors lately. The general opinion has. apparently, been that it would be found that the forthcoming election was likely to be fought out by Mr Todd and Mr Coleman. Mr Todd, however, has made it known recently, that, personally he would prefer not to stand despite numerous requests' that he should offer his services. In his place it will now be noted, Mr C. E. Armstrong has been persuaded to come forward in the interests of the whole of the ratepayers. His decision, we are certain, will create a great deal' of satisfaction amongst all classes of the community. The deputation which waited upon Mr Armstrong on the matter was, it will lie agreed, of a very representative character and the sterling tributes which were paid to him represented in no way an overstatement of his numerous high qualifications for the most important position that it is in the power of the municipal electors to confer. After such a lengthy period of valuable and strenuous public service, Mr Armstrong might, if he so now wished, deservedly takps things easy, as the saying goes, but, as it so happens, he is, to-day, not one whit less industrious and, what is more, just' as enthusiastic as ever in his desire to promote the best interests of the town and district. We consider that the town is very fortunate that it is having placed at its disposal the services of such a capable citizen for the office of “Chief Magistrate”. The next two years will not prove an easy period in respect of civic administration. Quite a number of important works will require to be undertaken or completed and, in that repaid Mr Armstrong’s high engineer-j ing knowledge should be of great benefit to the ratepayers. But apart altogether from that important factor, Mr Armstrong has a special qualification which'will assist him in filling the post with great credit. We refer to the fact that- he is a non-party man, a man whose only consideration is the welfare of the town and district. Such being the case, his acceptance of the proposal that he should offer his services will bo generally regarded as most pleas- ,