MAYORAL ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 166, 9 April 1921, Page 8

MAYORAL ELECTION

MR. WRIGHT AT KARORI

Mr. R. A. Wright continued his campaign last night by addressing a meeting in tho Council Chambers, Karori. Mr. J. Burns presided.- . Mr. Wright referred to the necessity for water and drainage in the Karori district. He explained that until the water from the Orongorongo stream reached Wellington it would he impossible to meet the urgent -needs of the district. However, the engineering department of the council had collected much valuable data that would be required when the water reached the city, and which would assist the work of reticulation. A vote of thanks to and confidence tn the candidate was proposed by Mr. F. Porter, seconded by Mr. J. Bradnock, and carried by acclamation.

MB. HISLOP AT KILBIBNIE. Mr. T. W. Hislop addressed a meeting at the School house, Kilbirnie, last night, Mr. Jackson occupying the chair. The candidate commenced by referring to the question of the tunnel in respect of which he had been accused of preventing the footway from being constructed. He said he' was the Mayor from May 4, 1905, •' while this question was settled on April 6, by a contract being called for on that date. The Government Engineer, whose approval was necessary, absolutely refused to •anction the footpath, and a deputation which waited on the Tramway Committee on May 12 approved going on rather than incurring further delay in negotiations. Afterwards the location .was altered,’ and the line which was at first only a single line-from Kent Terrace was made double on both sides of the tunneL After the contract was let and the work had proceeded some distance, and there being no money to spare, a deputation of four waited on the Committee and asked that the tunnel should be doubled. After reports by the City Engineer and the Electrical Engineer, who advised agpinst any alteration of the contract, and in the absence of money, it was determined not to make the tunnel double, especially as people were impatient of delay, and many were opposed to the delay which would have been caused by getting a new order-in-council and giving the contractor extra time. The suggestion ought to have come earlier. However, the Original adoption of the tunnel without a pathway was before his time. Mr. Hislop emphasised the want of foresight and care in the management of affairs. The Mayor 'admitted .additions to the debits of general account of -£210,000, and the deficits in two years of diltO 000 but hlaims that certain wants of an exceptional nature accounted for about X7«,000, leaving a sen ted bv any assets, of -634,000. Not a bad slide for two years. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed unanimoualy.

Mr It. A. Wright will address the electors at the Wadestown Club room on Motidav evening at 8. Mr T W. Hislop will speak at the Ksrori Council Chambers' this evening. Mr’ L M'Kenzio will address the electors in the Council Chambers, Karon, on Monday • evening-