THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1710, 13 August 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1879.

At the end of last month we called attention to the near approach of the first annual election of Councillors for the Municipality of Christchurch under the regulations which provide for such elections when a borough has been divided into wards. Referring to the admitted fact that, taking the Council as a whole, the city is not at present worthily represented, we expressed a hope that a new departure would be made, that the citizens would rise to the occasion, and that the result would be the election of a Council which would not only reflect the will of the •atopayers, but would, through the dignity and business capacity shown at its meetings, prove a credit to the good sense and good taste of the municipal electors. The time is now rapidly approaching when those citizens who are desirous of a more creditable state of affairs than now obtain being brought into existence, should take some steps towards endeavouring to carry their wishes into practical effect. The elections take place on the 11th of next month, the Returning Ofiicer will issue his notification not later than the 28 th inst., and the nomination will take place on some day between September 2nd and 7th. It is the more necessary to call the notice of the ratepayers to the near approach of these elections, and the necessity that exists of their bestirring themselves in the matter, because the interest that has now seized upon all classes with regard to the elections for the House of Representatives, and the excitement on the larger questions of colonial policy that absorbs the thoughts of all who are at all concerned in the political life of the country, are likely to distract attention from municipal matters. There is a danger of the larger event overshadowing the lesser, and of the latter suffering in consequence. It is very unfortunate that the two sets of elections should have to be held at nearly the same time, and that at a period when the energies of all ratepayers ought to be concentrated on an endeavor to secure for the now City Council the highest talent and most sterling qualities available, such a gigantic red-herring as a general election should bo drawn across the scent. Wo do trust, however, that the municpal electors will resist the temptation of turning their thoughts solely in the direction of general politics. The forthcoming municipal elections will be of more than ordinary importance. A new system will be brought into play and will bo, as it were, put upon its trial. If, under the new arrangement, the general bearing of the City Council is not found to be improved, it is probable that our municipal affairs will run on in the same unsatisfactory groove in which they have moved during the past year. Colonists outside of Christchurch will naturally jump to the conclusion that the City Council, however unworthy it may be of the city, is in good truth a reflex of the general ideas of the ratepayers. The latter will inevitably suffer, both through the manner in which their business is conducted and through the continued deterioration in the morale of their representatives. If, on the other hand, the ratepayers bestir themselves to secure the best men procurable and unite in a determined effort to see that none bo elected who are not men of known dignity of character and business capacity, the outside world will recognise the fact that the events that have occurred in our municipal life during the past year form a more episode, and do not point to a normal state of affairs discreditable to our city; and the electors themselves will reap the advantage of their activity and determination by securing the services of individuals in whom they can roly and to whom they can look up with satisfaction and trust.

With a view of securing tho object to which wo have alluded as desirable, wo would suggest that a committee of leading ratepayers should bo formed for each ward, who should make it their business to endeavour to secure for that ward the election of the three gentlemen whom they may consider to bo on all grounds tho boat suited to represent the said ward. Such committees should he formed with tho least possible delay, and should at onco make their choice of fitting candidates, Of such candidates wo are convinced there will ho no lack. No man with tho interests of tho city at heart

would hesitate for an instant to place his services at the disposal of his fellowcitizens. Committees such as wo have proposed would, in all probability, by vigorous action bo enabled to carry their men safely through the quicksands of a municipal election. Mon of weight, who might not be willing to trust to the chances of an election under ordinary circumstances, would be found prepared to make the plunge under the sanction of such powerful organisations. Committees such as these would command the respect of the general body of ratepayers, and their decisions would go far toward securing for the chosen candidates the suffrages of the public in their respective wards. We advocate the formation of a separate committee for each ward for several reasons. The committee men would naturally bo possessed of a more intimate acquaintance with the special wants of their districts and with the qualifications of the gentlemen from among whom their choice would have to bo made. Moreover, a healthy rivalry between the committees of tho various wards would be created. One thing wo would particularly press in closing these remarks. It is full time that prompt and vigorous action was taken in tho direction of securing for tho city a properly constituted City Council for the coming year. Whether our suggestion be adopted, or whether a general -committee bo formed for the whole city, it is fully time that all citizens with tho well being of Christchurch at heart should bo up and doing. No light matter is at stake. Our character as a municipality should not be allowed to suffer through the apathy of tho ratepayers. We are emerging out a period of our municipal life which has not reflected credit on municipal institutions at large, or on those of Christchurch in particular. Citizens have, however, only to rouse themselves and a far different stat? of affairs woidd soon obtain. All tho materials for a most satisfactory solution of the difficulty are available. All that is wanted is energy and timely action on the part of the electors.