The Times. Published on Tuesday and Friday Afternoons. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1921. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 608, 15 February 1921, Page 4

The Times. Published on Tuesday and Friday Afternoons.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1921. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

“We nothing extenuate, nor aught set clown in malice/’

Already there are signs of activity in connection with the forthcoming municipal elections in Pukekohe. It would seem that the community is divided into two camps. The one credits the present Mayor and Council with doing its best for the borough, and the other frets at "'the lack of progression which itr claims should have taken place. It is quite possible that both parties have a measure of justice in their claims. The administration of local bodies, and particularly young and growing boroughs, has been most difficult throughout the Dominion during the past two years, owing to the increasing cost of labour and materials. In very many cases the position has become quite serious, and Pukekohe is not the only borough which has fallen short of its programme of progress. However, we do not say that the present Council has done all that could be done with the means at its disposal. It may have done its best and yet have fallen short of true efficiency. We would certainly like to see a more vigorous attitude in regard to several matters of great urgency. Improvement in the sanitary service is vital in the interests of health, swimming baths are no longer considered a luxury in modern boroughs, and the general cleaning up of the town is necessary. The amount of blackberry in the borough area is simply astonishing, and no action seems tc be taken against it. For instance in West Street there is a magnificent hedge of this noxious weed which tears the clothes of all who walk too closely to that side of the footpaths This display is quite close to the centre of the town. In other boroughs the terms of the Act in regard to noxious weeds are rigidly enforced, and why should Pukekohe be exempt It is these small details of administration which, in the eyes of ratepayers,. determine the usefulness or otherwise of a council. When the elections do come round, whether the present Council is returned or not, or whether a totally new personnel is elected, we know we are speaking for the ratepayers when we state that even if progressive works are not carried out, the details, which in the aggregate mean so much, should certainly be vigorously attended to.