The Globe. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1874.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 150, 26 November 1874, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1874.

The annual election of Mayor of the city is now close at hand, and it seems to us to be a fit time to consider the advisability of altering the present system under which the election is carried out. We may at once say that we are decidedly opposed to the clique-fostering method now in force and for many reasons. First, because we consider that the Mayor of a city like’Christchurch has far higher duties to perform than merely chairman of half -a - dozen gentlemen who meet once a week. He should represent the wealth|and intelligence of the city, and as such should be chosen from amongst all the ratepayers and not elected as now by a private coterie. The present system opens the door to many abuses, and though we have every confidence in our present Councillors, the day may come when less scrupulous persons may occupy their places, and the office may be regarded as worth so much per vote. Another thing is that b} r the rotation system a most unfit man may ho elected, in fact must be, for there is no alternative. It may happen that unless the gentleman who stands next has the good sense to decline the position, the ratepayers may find that they have for their civic ruler one who alike from position and education is totally unfitted for the post. But while saying this we must not at all be understood as being an advocate for mere wealth, or saying that because a man may be poor he shall not aspire to honorable positions such as these. Far from it, merit will always win its way, but we do object to this blindfold style of selecting a Mayor simply because it has come to the turn of the gentleman who may stand next in rotation. Let the office be one to which a man shall be elected by the voice of his fellow citizens ; the range of choice is enlarged an hundred-fold, and care will be taken to elect the best man. Besides, it will act as a wholesome incentive to Councillors to do their duty, because it will then be in the power of ratepayers to reward one who has served them faithfully. As it is now, the next in seniority knows that the robes of office, links and chain, and all the pomp and circumstance of mayoralty, is certain in the ordinary course of things to come to him: hence he pursues the even tenor of his way, whilst streets are still unformed and open ditches poison the air. We hope the ratepayers will think this matter over, and put an end at once and for ever to the solemn farce —nay, even more than that, burlesque, which annually takes place on the election of the Mayor of this city. In all other cities where municipal institutions have been established the Mayor is elected by the citizens, and so it should be here.