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Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1927, Page 2

In :i week's time nominations lor the M uiiieijnil. ICleot ions will /<• closing ami the poll will take place shortly after. There is a call for the exercise of citizenship, ami the call should not he unanswered. As far as the local Council is concerned, there are vacancies which must he tilled in any case, so that there is room for an infusion of new hlood. The outlook for the municipality, particularly in regard to the water supply, must he regarded as serious In its present state it is costing a good deal to maintai.u the service as efficiently as it is. while there is always the prospect of a serious break down at a critical time. The people (in addition to the Council) have been forewarned sufliciently to realise what is at stake in the even; of a serious and prolonged break in the water supply, and such being the case something should he attempted to meet the possibilities. The present Council lias not faced the position seriously, but the longer the delay the more imminent the danger. In regard to this matter alone there is a very serious liability on the incoming Council, a fact which calls for candidates prepared to make the security of the water supply one of the first matters for special attention. Tho retiring Council has been responsible for a good deal of permanent work in reference to drainage matters which it commendable and in other respects have shown useful activities. Bid there has l>eon a slackness in other directions due to false parsimony. The two ornamental reserves which me of such service to the town, have been allowed to go hack, and this should not he. It will he possible to retrieve the position without great cost, hut what expense has to he found should he met readily because the two grounds are special assets to the town and will repay the expenditure and attention devoted to them. The Council has been able to throw off the area on the south side of the river, and relieved of that liability should he able to do more for the residential portion remaining. Some set policy with regard to street and footpath improvements should lie laid down so that the work might proceed systematically and ill the aggregate show worthy results. There is certainly plenty to do with the funds available, a fact which calls for the soundest administration possible. This fact in particular suggests that the ratepayers would welcome more of the business people of the town at- the Council table, so as to bring to hear their ripe experience and help to send the money available as far as possible in the maintenance and extension of the amenities of the town which will go to make Hokitika | more than ever a more popular resort hy its own and outside folk alike.