POLITICS IN CIVIC AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 191, 11 May 1944, Page 3

POLITICS IN CIVIC AFFAIRS

Labour Proud Of Its Banner

REPLY TO OPPONENTS

A great deal had been said by their opponents about, the introduction of politics by Labour into civic affairs and the threat, of Trades Hall domination, but the so-called Citizens’ ticket consisted of several who had stood in the interests of the National Party at the last election. It was extraordinary logic which suggested that they no longer had any political affiliation, said Mr. Roberts. Labour candidate for the Wellington mayoralty-, in speeches at. Kaiwarra and Khandallah last night. “We make no apology for standing for the Labour movement, which has fought over the past 100 years for progress, a higher standard of living for the people, better homes and more freedom—everything that, is good in life; hi faet. instead of denying we belong to a political movement we are proud to claim Labour as our banner,” he said. There was ample evidence of the splendid achievements of Labour iu this' country and in other parts of the world. There was iiothing more he detested in civic life than hypocrisy, and surely it was in keeping with the position a man such as Mr.’Appleton and others of the Citizens’ ticket occupied that they should make it clear what party they represented. Were they no longer. proud of being associated with the National Party ? Mr. Appleton and Sir. Hislop had asked ‘did not Mr. Roberts know there was a war on,” as an explanation for the curtailment of many services. ‘Sly reply is that, they cannot show me one part of New Zealand whefc there was tyre or fuel restriction for the nurpose of carrying working men and women from job to job except Wellington,” be said. “The Tory couucil took the opportunity to take buses off the road because they were not paying their way.” They had taken seats out of the trams and had created a “bull-pen”'traffic system Nowhere else had that been reported to. Instead of laying down a policy. Sir. Appleton had spent considerable time trying to convince electors of the danger of a coterie from the Trades Hall gaining control of the city’s affairs. The London County Council, one of the greatest and most efficient organizations in the world, was controlled by Labouf, with Sir. Herbert Morrison, a trade unionist, as its chairman, and a most capable one. Before the war it had cleared thousands of acres of slum areas and had built thousands, of homes. » * *

The cost a hospital bed a day, which had been reported as 24/-, should be investigated, said Mrs. Janet »Sayege at Kaiwarra. She cited one hospital annexe in Riddiford Street which she said was a positive disgrace. The accommodation was so primitive that 24/- a day was out of the question. “These figures should be challenged. There is far too easy acceptance bv the public of costs when it comes to the care and treatment of our sick folk.” « * *

To many of the suburban residents the long delays in refuse collection had become a positive menace to health' and comfort. It was inevitable that the manpower shortage should have affected a more frequent collection, but he saw no reason why this very essential public service should not become a priority one, said Mr. T. Brindle at lyaiwarra. If a daily service could be given to business premises in the centre of the city, surely a more frequent service could be assured to suburban homes.

A city council conscious of its responsibility could have prevented the present housing situation, said Mrs. E. Harris at Khandallah. In 1939 a delegation of women who were concerned about the position waited on the housing committee of the council, asking it to inaugurate a bold, comprehensive building policy, but the delegation was met with sneers and innuendo, and nothing was done. Labour councillors would not only cooperate with the Government, but would inaugurate a housing scheme as a priority in civic administration.