The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1907. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3763, 27 April 1907, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1907. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

The excitement of the recent municipal election has now died down, and ratepayers can calmly review the result of the polls. The voting constituted a record for Foxton, The ratepayers were not very exacting in so far as demanding from candidates their views' on municipal affairs. No candidate set forth a platform, but all promised to safeguard the interests of the ratepayers. A splendid opportunity was offered for some enterprising aspirant to have put forth a fire prevention scheme. —We throw out the suggestion to the new Council. —We congratulate Mr Gower upon retaining the confidence of a majority of the people in being returned to the highest office it is in our power to confer upon any citizen, a position which demands dignity from the aspirant, and which burgesses should religiously safeguard. Too often in our colony has this high position been reduced to ridicule through the indifference of burgesses. May this state of things never obtain in Foxton. Mayor Gower has acquitted himself well in the past, and the meetings of the Council have been conducted in a dignified manner. Our only complaint is that the Mayor is a little too conciliatory, and does not enforce the standing orders. With such an excellent Council we prophesy for the Mayor a record year. Seven of the previous councillors who offered themselves for reelection were returned, which is an evidence that their efforts during the past term have met with public approval. The new blood is represented by Messrs P. . Hennessy and L- H. Wilson. The former topped the poll, and we believe put up a record in the matter of votes. He will be a decided acquisition to the Council.* This is the latter’s first run in municipal life, and if he acquits himself as well in borough affairs as he has done in his own business, then the electors will not regret their choice.

Those who were defeated, three of. whom were comparative Strangers, polled exceedingly well,

and have no .reason to be dissatisfied. The elected Council is one of the strongest that has held office, and first-class administration should result.