Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY. APRIL 13 1917 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY. APRIL 13 1917 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The citizens are being called upon last now to oonsider the question of electing a Municipal Council for the next period. This is a matter of more than passing interest, because a good deal pertaining to the welfare of not ODly the town but algo the district is hound np in the decision of the matter. This is probably more true at this juncture in the progress of the war than at any other time in the history of the town. The war has its depressing side, and it is, also, having its exhausting effect. The Dominion, as a whole, is reaping a certain great advantage from the export trade which has developed and in certain avenues things were never more prosperous. The stringency in regard to shipping arrangements is likely to have a sharpening effect, more so now because United States is entering the fray, and a faroff country like New Zealand ia likely to be the first to suffer in the immediate contraction of shipping which must take place now. This shrinkage will be reflected all through the Dominion, and the more igolated places will suffer the most. The fact most be faced therefore that times are likely to be* come more stringent than otherwise* There is thus all the more reason why the town should have its best men directing affairs in this time of crisis. There is not any opportunity of developing a municipal policy at this stage. The most that can be done, is to exercise a conservatism in management, and assist in directing affairs in such a way as to ensure the resources being used to the best advantage. The Council oan certainly help rn maintaining a healthy and loyal public opinion. This was never more necessary than at the present history of the Empire. The district has en*

oyed always a high reputation for its patriotism and probity in publio affairs, and it is essential that these characteristics Bhonld be fully maintained. In this connection the town has been extremely fortunate during the period of the war ia having Mr G. A, Perry in the civic chair. Mr Perry has on several occasions most admirably expressed local pnblio sentiment on various aspects of the war, and we hope that the town will be able to retain his valued services for another term. The choice really rests with himself for he has the overwhelming confidence of the people, and if be will but consent to stand again, his re-election is assured. It would be quite fitting if the Council to-night, as on a former occasion, formally invited Mr Perry to accept nomination for another term. Of the individual members, some ate not seeking re-electioD, we understand. It ia to be hoped that for the vacancies whioh will arise some of our best men will come forward and take np the burden of citizenship in the same spirit of self-sao-rifice as many thousands of our younger men are doing in another direction. The future of the town is in the hands of the people and it will be largely what they or their representatives make it. There are various publio matters to be watched in the interests of the town’s welfare, and the outlook is such now that every effort should be made to advance local interests as opportunity offers. There "is thus a duty cast upon all and we hope that those who have the Bpeeial ability will create the line to step into the public arena and assist when their valuable help will be so much appreciated.