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Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1929, Page 4

Tiikrk will bo four (Kills to-morrow in connection with the municipal elections, in order of importance they may he set .down as follows: Mayoral Election, Half-lloliday Poll, Election of Borough Council, Election of Bcprcsontntives to the Harbour Hoard. Last evening the public had an opportunity oT hearing an exposition of civic affairs, and it may he accepted that the candidates were an fait with their subject. As was remarked nn a previous occasion, the town is very fortunate in having such excellent choice—the three candidates being well versed in municipal matters, and each enjoying a reputation for faithful public service to the. town. With such excellent choice it remains for the electors to indicate their preference. Whatever the result, there will he the feeling that a capable representative will lie cln sen. We have remarked very freely already on the half-holiday movement, and indicated a definite suggestion to retain Wednesday. Wo do not intend to stress the question further, beyond quoting Hie following extract from a letter from ilio Town Clerk at Bluff, where Saturday was ch'son for the half-holiday while the neighbouring town of Tnvorcartrill retains Wednesday. The Town Clerk writes: “From the business aspect, Saturday is not a good day for Bluff, the reason being that Invercargill the main shopping centre observes Wednesday for the half-day, and a considerable amount of household business which should he transacted in Bluff is transacted in Invercargill on the Saturday to the detriment of the Bluff shop-keepers.”

i'liiit experience should l>e a guide to ilie electors here, if it is desired to retain the volume of country trading and patronage at present enjoyed at ciokitiKa by the Saturday trading. *)ur advice now as at the outset, would •.e to retain the Wednesday half-holi-day. ]<or the Borough Council there is nut very wide choice outside the fitting members all of whom offer tliemjJves for electi .11, excepting Mr Jef- ■ lies who is an aspirant for the Mayoralty. 'ihe Council lias had a good and fairly useful term. As far as finance permitted wonts were carried on, but the water works is a handicap on revenue, till tiie p sition is faced and a !• an sanctioned to do the work comprehensively. Probably the new Council will give consideration to that aspect as one of the Mayoral candidates favours action in that direction. There has not been for many years much interest in harbour matters, but an erection may be an indication of a reviving interest. However, the candidates have not indicated any policy proposals, and the electors in the Harbour Board, as the Brough Council Election, must make their personal preference on the choice offered.