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Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1932, Page 4

lx a week's time nominations will’Tie closing for the local body elections in connection with County local government. Representatives are to he elected to four bodies, including the County Council (nine members), Hospital Board (six members), Har-

bour Board (two .members), and Power Board' (nine members). On a foamier occasion it whs remarked that the representatives in office had done excellent work for the ratepayers, and had produced a record which gave very general satisfaction. In local government matters, however, there are cross currents at times, and this district is not any exception. For the reason indicated there is talk of opposition in regard to the seatis. in the County Council, and it is not unlikely there will bo some spirited contests. The retiring members have quite a good record to go before the electors, and where the personal element does not enter into the contests, I will all do well, New Wood is gener- ' ally to be welcomed on these occasions, for it assists to stimulate public interest, and it is well that tne people generally should lie interested in the management of public affairs, The County is an extensive one, and naturally the various parts are anxious more or less for direct representation. On this account it is not unlikely there will be contests in the three Hidings. The retiring Council has just finished a v,-. v .satisfactory year, hut the year nowentered upon will be more difficult. Some of the principal sources of revenue outside the ratepayers’ pockets, have declined substantially and are likely to fail still further. This suggests that the work of the Council must he carefully handled over the present period. It is for the electors to 'sav when there is a trail for a change of representation, hut it is not always advisable to change horses when crossing a deep stream. As regards the Hospital Board representation, the County district has had excellent service from that quarter also. It is not clear that the levy m the ratepayers can bo maintained, and for that reason these most familiar with the internal affairs of the institution will he the safest to return in tlm public interests. The Harbour Board and Bower Board are two bodies working out their destiny in a very quiet way. The sitting members have done very well in their office, and with the knowledge and grip they have of the local position, it would not be advisable in the general interests to seriously disturb the representation.