MUNICIPAL BY-ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1821, 2 May 1918, Page 2

MUNICIPAL BY-ELECTION.

WHILE we regret tlie necessity for a by-election to fill the two vacancies on the Borough Council, caused by the resignations of Crs. MeColl and Stevenson, it is pleasing to note that sufficient interest is manifested in. municipal affairs to create competition to. fill the vacancies. We have previously expressed an opinion on the causes which led up to two councillors’ resignations. Mu this connection ,it must not be' forgotten that the 'executive head of any governing body, is vested with a wise prerogative, 'which, of course, does not mean absolutism, and.no discreet chairman would violate such a privilege. We are pleased to see that one of the Councillors (Mr Stevenson) who resigned, has allowed himself to be nominated. His rQrdection may hinge upon, an endorse-, ment .of the causes which led up to his resignation. ’ln any case, as a Air Stevenson took a keep and intelligent interest in all matters which came up for discussion at Council meetings,, and discharged his duties faithfully and well. We do not think his resignation would tendered bad he given the matter more mature consideration, and his consent to offer himself for re-election gives colour to - this opinion. We . hope, therefore, that the electors will bear this in mind at the ballot, and also remember his past services. Of the other candidates, three have previously served as Councillors, find one is making his first bid into public life and usefulness. No doubt an expression of their views on municipal affairs will be expressed either through the press or from the public platform, in order to allow voters an opportunity of making a wise selection. The election will take place on Monday next.