The Globe. THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 992, 30 August 1877, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 1877.

The time has once more arrived when the ratepayers will be called upon to elect the members of the City Council; Por reasons already explained the whole Council has had to go out of office ; hence there are nine seats to be filled up. Prom what can be learned the majority of the present councillors do not intend to present themselves for re-election. This is to be regretted, as the gentlemen who are retiring have done good service to the city. IVow and then we have felt it our duty to differ from them in the course they have adopted, but their conduct has always been guided by a desire {to advance the interests of the city. Under these circumstances, it becomes absolutely necessary for the citizens to exercise some care in the selection of their successors. As the Council will be composed mainly of new men, it is evident that the ratepayers should endeavour to select those who, from their ability and character, will do credit to their choice. The legislation of last session, and the tendency of that proposed in this are towards the great increase in power and importance of municipalities, and it is therefore the duty of the citizens to select the best men to administer the city affairs. We trust that they will not allow themselves to be led away with a party cry, or by declamation. What is wanted in the Council is a body of sound common sense business men, who will not air their _ pet theories, but set themselves vigorously to work to carry out the duties imposed upon them. If the ratepayers return men of this description, then we may expect to see some good result. But if, on the other hand, they allow themselves to be misled by platform eloquence, and return candidates on this alone, a very different state of things may be looked for. We hope, therefore, that the merits of the various candidates will be carefully weighed and considered, and that the ratepayers will select the very best men. But if a responsibility rests on the electors, it does so with equal force on those who from their business habits are eminently fitted for a, position in the Council. It has been hitherto too much the fashion for our leading citizens to stand aloof, and decline to take their part in the work of local self-government. So much so was this the case, that at one time it was almost impossible to obtain candidates for seats in the Council. Lately, however, this has been altered, and we trust, at,the forthcoming election, men will again be found to come forward, whose position and business knowledge fit them admirably for the post.