MUNICIPAL ELECTORS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2014, 23 March 1914, Page 7

MUNICIPAL ELECTORS.

GREATER WELLINGTON,

ASSOCIATION'S REPORT.

The committee of tlio Greater Wellington Municipal Electors' Association has issued its first annual report. "During the year (states the report) twenty-three meetings wore held. Our osteemed president (Mr. J. 6. W. Aitken) laboured strenuously in the interest of the association during the first sis months, but the executive regrets exceedingly to record that for many months past he has been laid aside by a serious illness, from which, however, wo are glad to roport he is now making a satisfactory recovery. . Local Elections. "Practically the first work cf the association after its institution was to secure the return of suitable candidates for the offices of Mayor and members of the City Council, Harbour Board, and Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Many meetings were held, and an immense amount of organising work was carried out by a Iwgo baud of citizens, under the direction of the association. The result was eminently successful, as the following will show:—Tlio candidate supported for, Mayor was Mr. J. P. Luke, who was returned. Of 12 candidates supported for the City Council, 10 were returned; Harbour Board, 3 supported,. 2 returned; Hospital and Chantablo Aid Board, 10 supported, 10 returned. The total number of vottj cast for the candidates supported by the association wa3 101,CC0, equal to 77 per cent, of tho votes of all successful candidates.

Labour Disturbances, "Tiio unfortunate position which aroso in tho latter part of last year had an important bearing on the civic life of the City. Your executive wish to place on record its appreciation of the services of our Major (Mr. J. P. Luke), and also all those citizens who so readily came forward as special constables for tho preservation of law and order. . "In order to thoroughly educate monitors and the public generally on questions of moment to the City, a series of monthly debates on various subjects was arranged as follows:—Universal tram fares; development of tho'To Aro Railway Station; direct railway passenger connection with ferry steamers; method of electing the Mayor by tho people or council; utility of motor-bus and rating on sports grounds. Highly interesting and instructive debates resulted. Town Planning, . "This subject occupies a prominent place in the object of the association, and, during the coining year, it is hoped that a special stimulus wil be given to this movement.by the new executive. The City by-laws do not prevent the erection of slum areas, and it is for the association to insist upon more adequate protection in this direction. Your executive have recently completed arrangements whereby. Mr. W. R Davidge, F. 5.1., A.M.LC.E.j A.R.1.8.A. (London County Council), an accredited lecturer, from the Garden Cities' and Town Planning Association of London, will visit this City in July next. "Thero are still one* or two suburban associations who have not joined this association in the larger' sphere of labour for the City as a ,whole, and it is trustedthat efforts will-be made to secure, their co-operation so that on the greater Questions affecting the City all kindred bodies-will -work for the coin•.lUOn.j WQal.'i?. :i-t: v.-' •!■•>•» :!l) !n.