Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1917. MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1702, 24 April 1917, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1917. MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

TO-MORROW the burgesses of the borough will be called upon to elect nine Councillors from the twelve candidates offering to serve as their trustees for the ensuing two years. There will not lie any contest for the Mayoralty, as Mr John Chrystall has been returned unopposed. To Mr Alt'. Fraser, the retiring Mayor, the thanks of the electors are due for the faithful discharge of the duties annexed to the civic chair. At the last meeting of the Council as at present constituted, Councillors expressed regret at Mr Fraser’s retirement, and each paid a tribute to the retiring Mayor’s courtesy and business-like methods in dealing with all matters which came up for discussion at the Council (able. The Standing Orders were strictly adhered to, and prior to each meeting the Mayor carefully systematised the business to be dealt: with, thus saving much time. The reports of the various committees disclose the fact that the several departments of the borough’s administration have received careful attention, and the Mayor and Councillors have worked harmoniously during the whole period. Seven out of the nine retiring Councillors are again offering their services for re-election, viz., Crs. T. Henderson, G. Coley, it. Bryant, McColl, Simmons, Stevenson and Thompson, and it would be a gracious recognition of their past services if the electors again returned them, as it appears that during the currency of the war no extraordinary works will be brought forward. Crs Whibley and Freeman are not seeking re-election. The former has left the district to engage in tia-x----milling pursuits in the Auckland province, and the latter is retiring for business reasons. The new candidates are: J. Hurley, a resident of the town for many years, but who up to the present has net aspired to any public position; R. Kemp's ter, who previously occupied a seat on the Council; R. MeMurray, who, since taking up his residence in our midst has entered heartily into local affairs as a member of the School Committee, Horticultural Society, Patriotic Society, etc, Mr McMurray should

prove a decided acquisition to the Council; Mr S. Kead needs no introduction to local public life, having previously served on the Council and School Committee; and last, but by no means least, Mr M. H. Walker, whose long and honourable career as a local business man and citizen will justify our prediction that if he does not top the poll he will not be far down the list. The electors should have no difficulty in making a selection of nine “good men and true” from the twelve candidal es offering. • » * *

WE take this opportunity of congratulating the burgesses upon having obtained the services of Mr John Chrystall as Mayor. While he would have preferred an endorsement of his position at an election, yet the fact that over one hundred ratepayers and householders signed a petition at short notice should inspire him with the feeling that he has a substantial backing in the community. His acceptance of the position meant a genuine sacrifice. That he will till the position with credit, we have no doubt, and with the loyal support and hearty cooperation of Councillors the residents can rest assured that their aff'a irs are in good hands. We wish him a successful term of office.

MENTION must not be omitted of (he Town Clerk, whose careful and intelligent discharge of the duties devolving upon him and his courtesy to the public have been favourably commented upon.

IT only now remains for the electors to discharge their duty at tomorrow’s poll by turning out and recording their votes in the selection of the nine most suitable candidates, and we hope there will not be any slackers in this connection. The polling hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Borough Council Chambers.