CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1963, 10 April 1919, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —As so far there has not been any announcement in regard to civic affairs by intending municipal candidates, I take this opportunity to offer a little criticism in the hope that it may stir up a little life before the election. The ‘'.Herald''’ stated that the Labour Party were taking an interest in the coming municipal election. May I ask what interest it is? Is (he Labour Parly goiiig to nominate bona tide members of the Parly, or are they going to nominate candidates outside the Party? If the Party is successful at the poll, will it advocate proportional representation? 'Whether Labour is successful or not, I it that the interest of the (own as a whole will be studied, rather than the interest of a parienlar few. The town needs men of initiative and push, and who also have the eonlidence of a majority of the people—those who have a stake in the town preferred. Mention was made by a correspondent of the existence 1 of rubbish lumps in Union Street, so 1 look the opportunity of inspecting this purl of the town. The rubbish is (here alright, a veritable incubator for rats and other vermin. There is also an apology for a footpath, and J would recommend intending candidates to take a walk in that locality some night. There are great gaps where the path has vanished into the drains, and, by the way, I believe Union Street has a Labour councillor, but so far I understand no mention has been made of these evils at the council meetings, which is a poor criterion of Labour’s energies so far. As (o water and drainage, in my opinion it would be far better to separate the issues, and put water lirsl and drainage next, as water is mostly wanted. Rut it’s (he bogey of higher rales and rents that settles (he business, and some people will put £ s. (I. before the health requirements of (he people, and put up with anything rather than spend a penny. Then there is also a question I would raise, and that concerns the food supply of the people. We should have an abbaloir, and. a more hygdnic method of conveying meat from the slaughter house to the shops. I write as a and 1 would like to know how a councillor who is only a rent payer, stands on the question of raising a loan. Could he vote for it In council? In conclusion, are the intending candidates going to put forth Ilnur policy for (ho endorsement or otherwise of the people, or are they going to keep in the dark, minus a, policy? Let there he light, and that quickly. Next. I will touch on metiers in connection with education. — ,1 am. etc.,

CRITIC. fA COUNCILLOR who is a nonratepayer may advocate any loan proposals in Council, and support by his vote the submission of same In the ratepayers, lull cannot exercise a vole on any such proposals at the poll.—Ed.lL]