The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1929. COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 6, 1929. COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Thkkk have been quite a bunch ol elections of late, first the General, then the Municipal and now tin* County elections. In this district the three Hidings are being contested. Eor the Northern Hiding there are three candidates for two seats. In the Central Hiding live candidates for three seats, and in the Southern Hiding seven candidates for four seats. All the retiring members are offering themselves for re-election, with tin* exception of Mr Morel of the Central Hiding, who lias left the district. The posilion of the Westland County Council as revealed bv Hie publication of both the (."liainuan’s and Treasurer's statements recently, set out a greatly improved position in regard to the tin a n cos. The roads and public works under (lie coni ml of the local body speak for themselves, but the finances

are ill ways such on which the ratopayi'is desire to be enlightened. The I reasumr’.s statement to which wc liiivo rdl'iTwl, reviewed tin: position i.l' tlio h nances as late as last moutii at tlie close of the financial year, ami supplied a prompt statement of the position as at present. Jt revealed a remarked recovery in the finances, a dehit being wiped out, and a credit appearing in the banning account. The result in the lace of it is very credilaule to tiie Council, which can take credit ;tls > lor the improved state of Llie roads, bridges and tracks. Mombeis at the reient meeting expressed gratification at the position at the end of their term of three years in office and they can give a very good account of their stewardship accordingly. In the Northern Hiding where .Messrs Murdoch nnd Ward offer them.elves f.r rc-election, the ratepayers ive at their, service two of the, most

ipable members any local body might Ash to have at its table. Both gentle-

on have been associated over many years with the Council., and apart from the experience they possess, they dso Im.e a general knowledge of pubtie administration it would lie difficult i) excel. .They have been two very worthy colleagues who have served the ratepayers as a whole most satisfaet H'ily and with their knowledge and discernment have brought to tile Council much additional revenue. In flic General Hiding. Messrs Chcsterman and Wells, retiring members seek re-election. In additi- n Messrs Baiicke and Keenan, ex-members, are standing; also Air O’Neil, a well-known settler in the Tvokatalii district. One rew member is to be elected here, for we take it the two retiring members who have proved useful representatives, will continue to find favour with the electors. The electors have three candidates to select for third place, to the south, with seven aspirants for four seats, there are always possibilities. Here again the four sitting members wiJi faithful service to their credit will have first consideration. Tn Messrs Du If, Houston and Mclntosh, the fresh aspirants, I hero is good i hnieo. Mr Oiilf is an ox-('oiinoil!or with a tine record of service. Messrs Houston and Mclntosh are well-known ratepayers with considerable stake in the 'district. The electors ihedeforo have the opportunity of a wide choice. *.s regards a County policy, the local 1 mlv has derived a great benefit from the highways sysVm. and it will h n lielnl'nl to s>'e that extended in the County, f.-ocat h-dies nowadavs have niii'-ti t<> Jo outside of roads and bridges, and the pmvisrn of funds fe>imspital maintenance i.s one of the extras. The (limit v Counei! is the main coni rihiii.ing t* dv to the local hospital administration, and soin«tllillg of 1 1 11 >: (diji.cn I»f the hio.'lt hod ,v rk i*'i*rip; color into the contest. The pot lia <r t, •ik cs n l "'-.'* on \\’c<i. ...•■• dav and ic d u ,, t the el.,- i.-c-s wit' e“"”'.ise their \(>| ii'i; nrivilege.s ver" freelv.