The Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1907 BYE-ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 1 October 1907, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1907 BYE-ELECTION.

Yesterday’s poll for the election of a Borough Councillor to fill the extraordinary vacancy caused by the retirement of Cr Austin, proved the oft-repeated contention that we are one of (he “deadliest’’ municipalities in the Dominion. Our voters’ list contains upwards of 600 names, but not one-third exercised their right of citizenship. Think of it, not one-third ! Such a state of affairs in our municipal life is scandalous. People who are so indifferent deserve to be disfranchised. In fact, we are so lethargic that there is no reason —except the statutory one, and how many are acquainted with'it?—why the borough should not be run by the Town Clerk. “ Our ' troubles !” say the majority. Advance Foxton ! In the Council we have some estimable representatives, but the people are satisfied that they should transact merely routine business.' We don’t get the best out ol our Councillors. Reverting again to yesterday’s. poll, we congratulate Mr Shadbolt upon his election, and we hope he will merit the confidence reposed in him. His supporters were the only ones to infuse a little life into yesterday’s election. We regret very much that Mr Jenks was not returned. His defeat, if it can be called such, is attributable to the indifference of his supporters, many of whom did not trouble to record their votes, being under the impression that he would have a walk-over. The unexpected happened, however, and the borough has lost the services of a very able man, and we hope it is satisfied.