TOWN BOARD ELECTION.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 19 September 1918, Page 2

TOWN BOARD ELECTION.

CANDIDATES SPEAK,

THERE was a good attendance at the Star Theatre on Monday evening laat to hear the views and opinions of the candidates who were contesting the biennial election as commissioners on the Helensville Town Board.

Mr J. A. Wilson occupied the chair, and briefly explained the objects of the meeting.

The retiring members were first to speak.

Mr J. F. Lambert (late Chairman) said he wished to tkank the electors for their generous support in the past,' and hoped to receive a continuance of same. He wished it to be known that he had nothing to do with the party feeling which was in existence in the township. In placing a statement of affairs before the electors, he said the receipts for the past two years were a total of £1885 and the expenditure £1713. On account of the heavy cost of material progressive works were at a standstill.

Mr Jas. Stewart briefly dealt wish a programme for the future, but mentioned that they were handicapped from borrowing on account of the war. The Hot Springs drainage was an important question, and he would like to see more street channelling work done in the township than was, at present carried out. He was strongly in favour of permanent street and footpath making, and a width of 16ft of the main street being laid down in concrete. The lighting question and a public recreation ground were also dealt with.

Mr H. Aitkenhead said that although he did not live in Helensville, it was his town all the same, and he was out for a measure. He strongly believed in concrete roading from channel to channel, and also a good lighting system. The time waa fast approaching when Parakai would be linked up with the township, and a footpath right to the Domain grounds was a necessity.

Mr H. Graham spoke on the schemes he had in view when elected two years ago, but was blocked in the tree planting. He did not believe in concreting the main road, and contended that if they could not afford to use a grader, then they could not afford to go in for concrete.

Mr H. Thompson contended that he had done good service during his term of office. He was the cause of the speed of motors through the town being regulated, and the prevention of cattle being driven and allowed to cut up the streets. The Hot Springs should, be under Government control.

Mr;F. Strange strongly bettered in ooncretinß the main road, and advocated a borrowing policy. He would like to see the Hot Springs handed over to the Tourist Department. The closing of Awaroa Road was to prevent cattle from further tearing it up.

Mr Jas. McLeod stated that it was just four years since they had turned him down as a member for the Board. He spoke of the work he had done whilst in office; he left the roads in good order, and not one yard of metal had been put down since; he also referred to the present neglected state of the footpaths. It was he who proposed the water and drainage scheme, and no one objected to that. He did not know why the lighting system should be held back. He was a strong believer in getting plenty of Ministers of the Crown up this way and letting them know their wants. The Springs badly wanted lighting up at night for the convenience of patrons to the baths.

Messrs Coutts, C. West, and T. D. Johnson (new candidates) briefly announced their intention of doing their best in a progressive policy if returned as members of the Board.

A vote of thanks and appreciation was accorded to Mr A Becroft, who had been a member of the Board for the past 30 years, and had resigned on account of ill-health.

Messrs Robinson and Garry spoke on Fire Brigade matters, and drew attent ion to the neglected state of the plant and fire plugs. They asked for the necessary assistance' from the incoming Board in this important matter.

Votes of thanks to the outgoing Board and the Chairman concluded a very orderly meeting.