The Globe. MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1876.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 683, 28 August 1876, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1876.

“ Wanted, Councillors for the Christchurch City Council.” Some such announcement as the above we may expect to see figuring under the head of “ Wanted” in our local papers, if the present dearth of candidates continues. The time is now close at hand when several seals will become vacant, and yet it appears to be almost impossible to persuade persons to come forward to fill them. It is greatly to be regretted that our leading citizens display so much reluctance to take a share in the working of municipal institutions. In other provinces such apathy does not exist. Indeed there the ratepayers are somewhat embarrassed by the number of candidates offered for their selection. Why Christchurch should be singular in not being able to secure persons, to occupy the position of Councillors, is, to say the least of it, extraordinary. The City Council of Christchurch, we have been told on more than one occasion, is a model for other municipal bodies. Therefore there should be nothing tp prevent those who, from

their position in the city or business aptitude, would prove of great service to the ratepayers, coming forward to contest the seats when vacant. Apart from a desire to be of use to the community, the honour of being a member of a body which has deservedly won a high place amongst the municipalities of the colony should be an incentive. But the very reverse is the case. Time after time, on the occasion of an election, we have had to record the difficulty experienced to induce gentlemen both of ability and position to undertake the duties of Councillors. In the past this was to be deplored, but now, when the powers of municipalities are likely to be very much extended and increased, it becomes a matter of serious import. At one time matters appeared to be improving, as at the last election gentlemen were elected in every way a credit to the city. And we had hoped their example would be followed in the present election. But we are likely to be disappointed. We require as Councillors our best men, and therefore it is that we hope to see the apathy, almost approaching aversion, with which the majority of our leading business men regard the office of City Councillor done away with. One objection has been urged as the cause of this ; that is the dislike of many persons who would otherwise become candidates to the baiting which is usual at meetings called to hear the views of candidates for municipal honors. In this we quite agree and certainly see no reason why the practice should be continued. Meetings of this kind serve no good purpose, and to a great extent are promoted by persons who desire a little entertainment. A candidate in a printed address can quite as fully, and far more satisfactorily, lay his views before the ratepayers on the various municipal topics and the city be saved the cost of calling meetings for the delectation of a few. If this be the reason why eligible candidates do not present themselves —and we believe this is the main one —by all means let the practice be stopped. No one would be the loser, and the city would be the gainer in that we should secure gentlemen who would fillfthe office of councillors with credit to themselves, and honour to the city. As we have said a new era in municipal Government is likely soon to be inaugurated, and it is necessary for the future welfare of Christchurch that the conduct of it should be entrusted to the very best men that can be found. We trust therefore, if there is any weight in the statement that eligible persons are prevented—from the cause we have mentioned —giving their services that the Mayor will decline to call meetings of this character; and further than this, we put it to the good seise of the ratepayers themselves whether it is not better to forego the doubtful good resulting from them for the more solid advantage of being represented by men of standing and and ability. It is with regret that we notice that the Mayor has decided not to present himself for re-election as a Councillor. He has done good service for the city in the past, and would, from his knowledge of matters and the broad view he takes of subjects connected with the city, be invaluable in the future. We hope before the day of election that he will reconsider his determination and continue to give the citizens the benefit of his services. In view of the dearth of candidates we can ill afford to spare a good man like Mr Hobbs. If he can be prevailed to accept office again for another term we trust every effort will be made by the citizens to retain him.