THE CITY’S AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 50, 23 November 1926, Page 15

THE CITY’S AFFAIRS

Sir, —Electioneering tactics are exemplified in your correspondent’s ("Fairplay”) methods. He first of ell has given us a homily on the attributes of justice and fairplay, and states that there is general resentment at the dictatorial and unfair attitude of the Cine League. Apart from the statements of Messrs. Norwood, Bennett, Mitchell, and some of their friends who work for them during municipal elections, I have seen no evidence of this. To the contrary, evidence is accumulating that the ratepayers’ ’associations _ round the citv are supporting the actions of the Civic League. "Fairplay” is making a statement which is not in accordance with facts wheh he states that the Civic League is run by a small coterie of men. _ Ho can accept my assurance that it is conducted by a large body of nien and women, who are determined that mod ern methods of municipal government must be installed in Wellington. “Fairplay” states that he is personally opposed to some of the Mayor’s latest proposals, especially the Hill Street tram, which is only toying with a very big problem. "Fairplay” and myselt are in entire agreement on this point, but I go much further, and say that the Mayor’s policy, if he has one, is only toying with a very much bigger - problem, "the sensible government of Wellington as a whole. The Civic League is evidently of the same opinion, and after carefully considering the merits of possible candidates, decided to ask Councillor Troup to be their nominee for the Mayoralty. The Civic I.eague. under various names for the past twelve or thirteen years, have- been selecting those whom they consider should be elected to the council with more or less success. During the past three or four years the Civic League has been quietly improvin’' its organisation, and it is .rar firm belief that if Mr. Norwood decides to go to the poll, he will have great difficulty in saving his deposit. If Mr. Norwood had received lhe Civm League's nomination, ho would have had mv support, but as the people’s institution, the Civic League .has decided to give someone else a trial, it t* my bonnden duty as a citizen to support their action. T thank "Fairplay” for his suggestion that Mr. David McLaren, others, and myself should bo nominated by the Civic League for a seat on the council. Mr. McLaren, who has given the best years of his life as Mayor and councillor to the citizens of Wellington, can speak for himself. "Fairplay” can accept this assurance from me. that, being closely associated with a number of fairly large business enterprises, which are developing rapidly, it would be impossible for me to give the time. that is ' required to attend to municipal duties 'Municipal government must be modernised, not only in "Vyellington, but throughout the whole Dominion, /’hen that is accomplished those placed like myself will bo able to give the time that is required. Tf T had a seat on the council as at present constituted, it seems to mo that T could do very little. The other day Councillor H. D. Bonnett ruled me out of order at a public meeting when T attempted to move a resolution condemning the dust carts at present in use in this city, at the annual meeting at the Motor . Club. Councillor Manton, who was in tho chair, ruled me out of order when J started to comment on the work being done by the council in Kent Terrace. Ho did not know what T was going to say—intelligent anticipation, I presume. , , . , , OWin<r to wrong methods of local government. rates are fa«t becoming as burdensome as rents in Wellington, therefore the Civic League is doing patriotic work when it selects the best persons available, and "Fnirplav” will be wall advised to sunpert their ticket at the next municipal elections. These tickets during tho past few rears have been supported hv Messrs. Norwood, H. Bennett, arid Mitchell, who are now making considerable fuss because tho Civic League does not put as. much value on their civic work as it has done in the past. A few of ns for some years have .been voices erviner in the wilderness. hu<t T am confident that we are standing on the threshold of a new era. which will transform our local government, and instead of it in*? a ioke in Welling, ton. it will bp somethin" to be admired and copied bv other towns throughout the Dominion.—T am. etc.; W. STUART WILSON. November 20.