THE ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 184, 30 April 1919, Page 8

THE ELECTIONS

FINAL MEETINGS

MAYORAL AND COUNCIL CAMPAIGN

Foiling will take place to-day for the election of representatives to tho various local bodies throughout New Zealand. In Wellington city tne electors will have a busy day, as they have to elect a Mayor, I'i'teen City Councillors, four members oi the Harbour Board, and fourteen members of the Hospital aad Charitable Aid liuard. The poll will open at !) a.ni. and close at 7 n.m.

The result of tlie'Mayoral election is expccted to be known at about 8.30 this evening, but tho result of tho City Council election will not be known until a very late hour. The Hospital and' Charitable Aid Board and the Harbour Board results will also be v'ory lan.

Mr.' W. 11. I'. Barber addressed a large audience in the Concert Chamber last night. ' H.e\was introduced by Councillor Norwood as tho nominee ot the members of the present council.

Mr. Barber said that he was very proud of having been chosen by his fei-low-councillors to coutest the Mayoralty. Ho gave 6onie little attention also lo his opponent, Mr. J. P. Luke. Then he went on to discuss policy questions before tho City Council in the future, following alm'ost exactly the lines as in previous speeches. He referred to the water power schemes now undor consideration in New Zealand, saying that for many years he had been an advocate of tho harnessing of water power. He believed very strongly in the Waikaremoana scheme, from which sufficient ; electric current could be produced to serve tho whole of tho North Island. He explained also the Mangahao scheme, saying that the operation of the scheme would $avc the city at least ,£25,000 a year, in addition to conferring other benefits on tho people. The Minister had promised that this scheme would be in operation in four years. Ho held that the council should do something lo relievo the present difficulties in regard to supplies of coal for tho corporation and tho citizens. It would bo worth the consideration of the counoil whether tho city should nrrange for tjie sea carriage of coal. Tho City Council must do something to relievo tho present lack of houses, llis own belief was that first of all acccss should bo provided to vacant areas.' There was a schenip before tho council for the removal of slums from Te Aro Flat, and tho rebuilding of some of tho land with residences. His opinion was that this area should not be used for residences, but that it should be retained for industrial purposes. Ho 6poke especially of the need for tramway access to Northland to open up'the vacant areas there,, and the areas between Northland and Wilton's Bush. Ho claimed some credit for tho establishment of the new fire station at the ton of Constable, Street. Mr. Burlier addressed a meoting at Hataitai earlier in tho evening.