The Chief Magistrates of our English cities are mostly notable for their social standing ; if therefore we expect to see respect paid to these officers in Canterbury such as exists in the old country, we must strive to imitate their example. It may be said, and per haps truly, that if men of the classes indicated desire to attain civic honors, they can easily do so by presenting themselves before the ratepayers for election—first as Council men, and then in the progress of time they will succeed to the chair. So indeed they may after a service of some seven or eight years; but this is too long a time of servitude in colonial life, and therefore we may urge that the rate payers should ha\e the power of elect ing the Mayor of any corporation irre spective altogether of the Council. There would be no injustice, no hard ship in this ; for if a Councillor had distinguished himself by his zeal and ability in the public service, he beyond doubt would stand a far greater chance of success with his fellow citizens than anew and untried man. Indeed, no new and untried man, unless he pos sessed remarkable intelligence, and in other respects ability, would stand much chance of selection.
