The Borough Elections

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 36, 6 September 1884, Page 2

The Borough Elections

The candidates for election have as yet made no sign of an intention to address the ratepaj'ers and state their views on municipal matters. Although each one may be perfectly satisfied in his own mind of his fitness for the honorable position he seeks, yet such a knowledge does not necessarily exist in the minds of the ratepayers. It is therefore the duty of candidates lo meet the ratepayers face to face, or, in some other form, put their ideas before them, for it is only by such means can the best men be selected or a candidate really obtain fair play for himjtelf. It has been said that the nnturul diffidence of the younger candidates stands in the way. If this is the case it may be inferred that the same shrinking modesty which prevents them addressing a public meeting may render them unfit to be elected to the Council, inasmuch as the ability to give clear expression to opinions on subjects before the Council makes one of the merits of a Councillor. It would be a grave misfortune for any valuable measure to be frustrated because the modesty or timidity of one or two Councillors prevented them upholding with their voices what their hearts and minds taught them should receive their warmest support. On the other hand, we do not want blatant stump orators to com* forward. Their proper place is not in the Borough Council, Those we want are men who are not afraid to say what has to be said at the proper time and season. Many ratepayers have mentioned this subject to us. and we are satisfied of this — that the candidate who makes the first demonstration will stand a fair chance of being at the head of the poll.