MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 2, 12 April 1927, Page 1

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The life of a Borough Council—as of mo.st local bodies—is but two years —hence an election for Mayor and Councillors takes place this month— to be exact—on the 27th. We wish to urge upon ratepayers in particular, and on electors generally, the necessity of seeing to it that the best men available are urged to come forward at this time and offer themselves for the important and arduous' position as Councillors. At the time of writing, there is little likelihood of a contest for the Mayoralty: the present holder (Mr. W. T. Strand, is once again offering his services) but what of the Council? There are many big works in varying stages of completion—many important questions (amalgamation with Petone being one of them) awaiting consideration and undertaking, and it is incumbent upon us as a people to see that men of ability —integrity and foresight will be returned to the Council to continue the progressive and sound policy of the past few years. A bold policy of street widening is a matter of urgency—modern traffic is a menace to life and limb, and this danger is accentuated in some of our few remaining narrow streets and sharp corners.

With the steadily increasing value of land in our Borough—delay in this matter but makes for greater cost. The policy of street surfacing, begun by our present Council, should be persisted in, and extended, to embrace man— other streets, and a definite scheme of footpath construction and preservation should be put in hand without delay. Now is the time for the Progress League, the Civic Association, and the Business Men's Association to show that they are alive to the best interests of our Borough—to its possibilities, to its needs, and that they will use their best endeavours to bring out the right men and leave no stone unturned to secure their election.