The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1911. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 984, 27 April 1911, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1911. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Throughout the Dominion yesterday the people elected their Municipal and Harbour Board representatives by the extended franchise. The wider franchise, as we have previously pointed out, gives every adult over 21 years of age, and who has been a resident of any district for a period of not less than three months, the right to record a vote for Municipal and Harbour Board representatives equally with the freeholder, ratepayer and householder. This democratic principle had the effect of making the polling very much heavier than in times past, and should result in public bodies being now more truly representative of the people. We do agree that “ the voice of the people is the voice of God,” yet the wider franchise should have the effect of educating the people and creating a higher standard of civic life. It gives to the young man and woman a greater interest in the town in which they live —a voice in its affairs and a responsibility which demands recognition —it is the foundation of Democracy. We cannot look to the immediate present for the beneficial results of the extended franchise.

A Considerable amount of interest centred in the local municipal and Harbour Board elections. The successful candidates in the former contest included the whole of the old councillors offering. This is as it should be—a recognition of past services. The new blood is represented by Messrs Greig, Carter and Chrystall. We congratulate the winners, and feel sure they will reflect with credit during their term of office that confidence the burgesses have reposed in them. Those gentlemen who were not successful have no reason to feel discouraged. It seldom falls to the lot of an aspirant for public honours to be elected at the first time of asking. If one looks back over the lives of

some ot our greater statesmen it will be discovered that they had to endure the bitterness ol defeat before they enjoyed—if one can use such a distinguishing adjective as applied to public life — the sweets of victory. They have the satisfaction of feeling that they are better known men to-day than they were yesterday, and the experience gained should spur them on to greater efforts in the future. They are equally entitled to the thanks of the burgesses for offering their services, and it is satisfactory to know that public-spirited men are available to take up the reigns of local government should the occasion demand it.

The local Harbour Board election resulted in the return of the Chairman by a large majority, which was a foregone conclusion. It would be a great blow to Foxton were his services at the present juncture lost to the Board. Our sincere wish is that during the coming two years he may obtain what he has so long striven for : the wharf. All else, as he has previously indicated, pales into insignifiance. It is safe to assume that his objective will be reached within the next eighteen mouths. Cr A. J. Gibbs is Mr Henessy’s colleague on the Board, thus linking up, as we suggested, the two bodies. We feel sure he will share the Chairman’s enthusiasm and ably second his efforts without breaking into the latter’s preogative, as unity of purpose is absolutely essential to make the best of Foxtou’s representation on the Board. To Mr Perreau we offer our congratulations tor the strenuous fight he put up. His task was herculean, and he took his narrow defeat like a true Britisher. Our criticism of his candidature will result in his ultimate good, and we hope at some future time to be among his warmest supporters. It was unfortunate that the electors had to choose between two councillors, of equal merit, as many of them did not care the toss of a coin whether their vote went for Mr Rimmer or Mr Gibbs, and so voted for the the first name on the list. The utmost good feeling prevailed among the candidates throughout the campaign.

Arr rowdy meetings on the increase ? From various reports that have appeared within the last lew weeks such would appear to be the case. The latest reters to the householders’ meeting at Stoke Valley (in the Hutt district), which broke up in confusion after something like a free fight. As the sequel to a dispute on the second ballot, a blow was struck, and thereupon a general melee ensued, forms being thrown about and the lamp upset, while a woman voter —who in England would probably be a suffragette leader —used her umbrella as a “ waddy.” In the chronicling of such a scene, an appeal to the sense of humour is inevitable, but its enactment was disgraceful and must result in bringing ridicule upon the participants. An aggressive spirit displayed by some person present is often the cause of dissension in a meeting ; it offends a susceptible member and causes an ebullition of temper, which in happily rare cases ends in an assault. To guard against the introduction of rani'drous elements, it is necessary that the parties should recognise the value of mutual forbearance and incorporate in their dealings the principle of “ give and take.” We will not speak of the danger of a too fulsome compromise, which is generally remote. A charitable spirit in public and semi-public affairs will save New Zealand from a stigma that attaches to certain larger countries.

NkvKR was there such a craze as the “ picture ” craze. Every towu of auy consequence now has its permanent biograph show, and, in a period of rising prosperity, the proprietors are reaping a golden harvest. The public, too, benefit by a cheap and educative form of entertainment. Figures quoted by Mr J. A. Nash, Mayor of Palmerston, show that the profits from the municipal picture enterprise during the six months it has been in existence have averaged £l4. a week, the gross receipts being ,£1513. Striking testimony is thus given to the popularity of the living photograph, the future of which as a feature of civilised life seems assumed. As far as can be judged from present indications, it will assist and not supersede, the press, the stage and the platform, and as a recorder of historical events will be of peculiar value.