The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1911. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 981, 20 April 1911, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1911. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Mr. G. H. Stiles has been returned unopposed as the Mayor of Foxton for the third term, and we congratulate the citizens upon retaining his services. Every Britisher loves a run for his money, to use a sporting phrase, and no doubt Mr Stiles leels a little disappointed that the opportunity has not been afforded him of gauging public opinion at the ballot box as to his stewardship. But there is another way of viewing a bloodless victory : it is evidence of the confidence the burgesses repose iu their first citizen. Looking over the past year, Mayor Stiles and his Council have much to be proud of, and can sho.v a record of public works unprecedented by auy of their predecessors iu office. Under the present Mayor’s regime the Council have started Foxton’s wheel of progress forward, aud the past year has been one of strenuous effort. We have previously referred to what has been accomplished, and that the full platform has uot been consummated is not the fault or the Mayor and his Council. They have done well, and the people have been educated to a higher standard of municipal requirements. We can confidently look to the Mayor, during the coming term, to keep the wheel turning iu a forward direction. Every man who sets out to serve his fellows in a public capacity is called upon to make sacrifices, domestic and business, which are too often overlooked. That the Mayor has made such sacrifices is self-evident, and he has earned all that the public can bestow —our continued confidence, heartiest thanks, and warmest appreciation.

There are three nominations for two seats on the Foxton Harbour Board, and the electors will be called upon to make a selection from the following gentlemen ; Messrs P. J. Hennessy, M. E. Perreau, and Thos. Rimmer. The first named has been so intimately associated with the Board since its inception that it would be a waste of time to speak of his qualifications for office. He is thoroughly acquainted with the Board’s affairs, and is anxious tor the well-being of the port. His enthusiasm and methods may not always have been shared and supported by his colleagues. This is only to be expected under a Board so constituted, with its representatives scattered in all directions, and with so little opportunity of ■‘talking matters over.” It is not surprising, therefore, that under

such circumstances and conditions outside members do not always see eye to eye with the chairman. This must always be, so long as men of initiative are elected as representatives Irom elsewhere. Under these circumstances it behoves local electors to return the best men available. Mr Perreau’s candidature will create a little surprise, as his best friends cannot accuse him of haviug, up to the present, given evidence of the necessary administrative fitness tor so responsible a position. At this particular juncture of the Harbour Board’s career, to return a voting machine would mean robbing the borough of its fair share of representation on the Board, and we hope the electors will return a more able representative to fill the position so ably occupied on the Board by Mayor Stiles. In these circumstances we urge the claims of Mr Rimmer, whose services on local bodies entitle him to prior consideration. We regret that Mr Signal’s nomination has had to be withdrawn, as his practical knowledge of the river and bar would have been of incalcuable value to the Board.

[Since the above was in print, a further nomination, that of Mr A. J. Gibbs, has been received, which will somewhat complicate matters.] The approaching Municipal and Harbour Board elections will be notable as the first wherein the voting was carried out on a completely democratic basis. The amplification of the rolls introduces new factors into local politics, and adds to the importance of issues that in the past have not beeu regarded as vital. Considering the lacilities afforded the public as nominators and electors, the Mayors who have been returned unopposed —those ol Wellington, Petone, ffketahuna, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston N., and Foxtou — may claim to have established their administrative capability, not to mention general popularity. Mr J. A. Nash, who enters on his fourth term as Mayor of Palmerston, has also been re-elected unopposed as the representative of his Borough on the Foxtou Harbour Board, and, we do not hesitate to say, will retain the confidence of all whose interests are in any degree subject to the Board’s control. One effect of the extended franchise will be seen in vigorous Council contests. In Palmerston there are twenty-three aspirants for nine seats, and six of the candidates are members of the present Council. Wellington electors will be called upon to select sixteen Councillors from thirty-six candidates. All this competition must ultimately result in benefit to a community: public opinion is educated by a spirited campaign, and the greater the nomination the truer will be the representation, and, therefoie, the more just the administration.

Up till this morning it appeared that there would not be sufficient candidates offering to fill the nine vacancies on the Borough Council but, at uoou, twelve nominations were handed in. This is a healthy sign and should go a long way towards arousing interest in municipal matters. Six out of the nine councillors who at present hold office, have consented to offer themselves for re-election. While on this point it would for the electors to bear in mind the good work they have accomplished, and the excellent espcrit dc corps which has charasterised their meetings. We hope to see them all re-elected. The “ new blood ” includes some levelheaded and progressive citizens and a keen contest should be the result. None of the candidates have specified auy policy but the water and drainage question is sure to be resusitated in the near future. Bt present it is not a burning question. For a period the new Council's time will be taken up with the details in connection with the erection of the Coronation Hall. Those nominated are ; Crs Adams, Coley, Gibbs, Rimmer, Speirs, Stewart and Messrs Greig, Chryslall, Carter, Parkes, .Littlejohn, and Woodroofe. We will refer to the candidates in a subsequent issue.