The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY. MAY 3rd, 1923. COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY. MAY 3rd, 1923. COUNTY ELECTIONS.

It will tie regarded as a healthy sign of the times that the County elections are to he well contested on this occasion. For the first time in many years there will bo elections in tho three Ridings. The contests should bo useful in stimulating public interest in the work of the local body which is sr> intimately connected with, tho self-government of the County. In the Northern Riding Messrs Duff, Murdoch and Ward, the throe members with the longest service in the Council, are challenged by Mr .Tellie of Arahura. The sitting members are prominent figures in County government and always take a leading part in debates, and a leading interest in the detailed work of the Council. Indeed to their initiative is due a good deal of the success of the administration. Mr Jellio is untried in local body work, though lie has done enthusiastic service on the A. and P. Association and Farmers’ Union. In the Central Riding there are seven candidates for tho three scats, three candidates hailing from tne KokatahiKoiterangi district (Messrs Morel, Monk, and Meharry), three from AYood-stock-Rimu district (Messrs Wells, Keenan, and P.aucke), and one from Kanieri (Mr Chesterman). Mr Baucke won his spurs in local body work long ago. while Mr Monk has gained experience in public body administration on the Hospital Board. Messrs Morel, Chesterman and Wells are the sitting members who have been careful representatives on tho Council now for an extended period. Messrs Mehany and Keenan ate new to public body life. Tho electors have plenty of choice in this instance, and no doubt the voting will be. well distributed. For tho Southern Riding, Messrs Jeffries and Chinn, two of the three sitting members are again offering their services,'while the Hon Grimmond is not only an ex-Councillor, but alsp a valued public rcpvpsentatiye riv?.r many

years. Mr Donovan in former years held a. sent on the Comity Council, and Mr Hearle has keen a member of tho Hospital Beard, in addition to serving on local institutions in the southern district. Here again there is n wide choice, and no doubt the electors will exercise their voting privileges freely. No doubt in each instance the sitting members have an' advantage, it not a particular claim at the coming poll. The term of the expiring Council has .been, on the whole, a satisfactory one. During the two years and a half it has run, there has been considerable advance in the reading and bridging of tho district-. A start has been made with a road machinery plant. Road repairs are now well in hand, and on many district roads a good deal e ( ' permanent work is being done with concrete. The (.’mncil was able to make very satisfactory financial arrangements with regard to loan moneys raised—in every instance without any premium or procuration fees—and interest lutes at the lowest. As was explained at the County meeting on Monday last, the rates are being further reduced, despite the fact that increased liabilities have to he fitted through taking over the Kuninru to Ross main read. Proposed economies and savings in expenditure assist in the effort to reduce the rate levy, which will l<* .brought, about without curtailing other activities of the Canned's operations. The light the Council has put up for justice in regard to royalties’ revenue most not be overlooked, and the leading figures in that important matter should lie undoubtedly roi-uiued again to the Council, in order that they may complete what they initiated. There .is no burning question of County policy before the electors, so that presumably the choice of selection will in many eases go by popularity, in the respective distiiets where the candidates reside.