MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3569, 31 July 1874, Page 3

MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

To the Editor. Sin, —As I understand it is the intention v or P ora^lon _to frame a new Act shortly, I take the liberty of making on 2 or two suggestions. I think it would be advisable to insert a cUuae making it illegal for candidates to held public or committee mootings in hotels. There are to many other places for holding meetings that I do not see any hardship in the matter. If thi* were done, it would take away one. of. the great attractions for hangers-on and professional touters to attend. The meetings consequently would be conducted in a more becoming manner. The candidates would run less chance of being treated in an ungentlemanly manner, and doubtless many more of the bona fide electors would attend these meetings, weio the rowdy element done away with. I think, also, that it would not be looking too far ahead if the Corporation were to secure the power of electing four Councillors for each Ward. The Waterworks are now virtually in the hands of the Corporation. The present Gasworks, or new ones, are almost sure to be under the control of the Corporation before very long, because Corporations at Home now find it to be advisable to give even long prices to secure them. This will involve a great amount of additional labor to the Councillors, so that unless the number is increased it would be vain to expect them to discharge all the duties satisfactorily. I think it would a’so be an improvement to elect out of tho four Councillors an Alderman for each Ward, and from the Aldermen let the Council have the power to elect their own Mayor. The Councillors themselves ought to be the best judges who should preside over them. Nothing, I am sure, would tend more to induce men of the highest position and intelligence to take an active part in City matte's than the fact of their being able to attain the highest honor the citizens could bes!ew upon them without having to undergo the miry ordeal which, as a rule, the Mayoral contests have been in the past. We ought to magnify the offices of Councillor and M ayor, and free them as much as possible from all pernicious and lowering associations. It is with a view of doing so that I have ventured to throw cut the above suggestions. There are many pther evils arising from our pretent system that might fairly be touched upon, but as I have a great dread of long letters, I beg to Bubscr.be myself—Yours, 6 c., David R. Hay. Princes street, July 30.