BOROUGH ELECTIONS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5409, 10 April 1929, Page 2

BOROUGH ELECTIONS.

MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS. CLOSING OF ROLL. Burgesses are reminded that on the 17th inst. the supplementary roll for Borough Council electors closes. Those who have not already registered are advised to do so as soon as possible, to make sure of securing their vote and, incidentally, to assist the borough office staff in obviating a last-minute rush. People who are British subects, who have been in New Zealand for 12 months and who have resided in Paeroa for three months or over are entitled to rank as burgesses and exercise their vote, but only if on the roll. Election day is set down for Wednesday, May 1, a matter of only three weeks off, but so far little interest has been aroused, due in a great measure no doubt to a deal of uncertainty that exists as to who are coming forward definitely as candidates. The cause of the uncertainty apparently revolves around the Mayoralty. Mr W. Marshall, the present Mayor, intimated some time ago his decision not to stand for re-election, but a large majority of the inhabitants of Paeroa, sensitive to, and appreciative of, the splendid work accomplished while Mr Marshall has been in office, have since signed a petition asking him to reconsider his resolve and stand once more. A deputation headed by Mr E. Edwards, deputy-Mayor, and bearing the petition, will wait on His Worship on Thursday or Friday.

Upon Mr Marshall’s answer depends the stand to be taken by the majority of the present councillors. Should he answer in the affirmative it is likely that with two exceptions the present councillors will come forward for re-election; If, on the other hand, he answers in the negative there will probably be a reshuffle and unexpected developments. The two exceptions to the above are Crs. E. A. Porritt and W. Turner, who have both stated definitely that they will not stand again. That means that there arc certain to be three seats at least vacant on election day, the third being the one resigned by Mr J. Pinder some time ago. At the end of the week, after the deputation to the Mayor, or early next week, should come the announcements of Crs. E. Edwards, P. E. Brenan, F. E. Flatt, H. J. Hare, and J. W. Sileock as to their intention. Election day is rapidly nearing, and it is only fair, both to the community of Paeroa and to the councillors themselves, that the burgesses should know the exact state of affairs, especially as nominations for the Mayoralty and councillors close on Friday, April 19, at noon. ■ Outside of those who already are councillors, the only other prospective candidate so far is Mr R. B. Dunlop, who, while he has not quite made up his mind, is considering the question- of standing.