The item "£SB 19s ?d, Returning Officer," which appeared on the pay sheet at the Council last night, provoked some remarks. Cr. Appleby was of opinion that people who came forward to fill public offices shou.d make up their minds if they were going to fill them or not The Mayor asked if there were ai»y way by which a similar occur rence could be avoided. Cr. Appleby— "By the exercise of common cense." The Mayor—**Bv whom?" Or. Appleby— "Some of these folk who come forward." The Mayor—"l am anxious to find out on whom the blame ehoud be placed." Cr. Appleby hoped that by drawing public at tention to the affair its recurrence would be avoided. The Mayor—"Do you imply it was the fault of »ny of the candidates?* , Cr. Appleby replied that it was competent for any one to come forward. Cr. Smith explained that the Council would have a refund of part of the amount from the St. A bans and Sydenham Councils, but there was no option except to pay. The Councils were let into the amount by one of the candidates not withdrawing in time for the Returnmg Officer to cry off hjt ar rangements. Two legal opinions were ob tained, for which the Courtil would have to pay. The Returning Officer got £10 10* out of tire total, the deputy returning officers 25s each, and the poll clerks 12s 6d a day. Had the election taken pace there would be nothing to complain of.
