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Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1931, Page 4

With the cull for nominations lor the various municipal bodies it is to be hoped that local interest in civic matters will be stimulated, and the public will take more than passing concern in the event. These elections recur every second year in boroughs, so that there is the periodical opportunity of the people to become directlv interested in civic afiairs. In addition to the Borough Council, the municipality has the right for representation on the Hospital Board and Harbour Board, while there is also the .\ lav-ora I chair available for occupation. These local bodies pay an important part in the life of the eoninuin\v. The measure of immediate good which a local authority may contribute is guaged by the activities of the component members. There is room always for the ‘dive" members and the “new broom.’ Not 'that tliec enii accomplish great reforms, lor local finance lias its serious limitations, but it is a question largely oi doing the best, or better, with the funds available. There is room always for the practical man on the smaller local bodies, which often have not the funds to retain professional advisers.

and has In rely in a great measure on the advice of members with general knowledge of works. While the Borough Council is not without men with business ability able to conduct the limine*, s of tile town with reasonable results. at the moment its members do not contain those with much experience in public works. It would appear that there is room for men of this category on tin- Council, and a public sendee will lie done, if those with the necessary qualifications will come forward and offer their services. The Hospital Board is bettor served in this respect, and has one outstanding: member who might he set down as a whole team in himself whore the direction of work is concerned. These thoughts suggest that while the nresent occupants of scats on the local bodies are doing useful work in certain directions the Borough Council in particular needs a leaven of representatives with practical experience in works, men who can advise and direct in utilising present resources to the best advantage nosKible for the benefit of the town. On that account, it is to he hoped both “live” and “new brooms.” will he among the nominees next week, so that when polling dnv comes round next month, there will ho a reasonable choice for the electors, and that where considered netessnry, there may he an infusion of “>>ew blood" to aim at the betterment of the town and its institutions.