Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1921. WANTED – PUBLIC-SPIRITED MEN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2264, 16 April 1921, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1921. WANTED - PUBLIC-SPIRITED MEN.

AMPLE opportunity is afforded citizens to take a live and intelligent interest in Ihe administrative welfare of the various governing institutions of the borough and port next week. Nominations of nine Councillors are invited for the Borough Council, two seats are to he tilled on the Harbour Board .and nine Committeemen for the School Committee. Apart from this, there are splendid opportunities for service on the Chamber ol Commerce and Beautifying Society, which, however, are outside constitutional law find procedure. The point is, there are spheres of public activity and usefulness open to all who honestly desire the advancement and welfare of their home town and the health and prosperity of the community. The avenues of public service arc open wide, but few there are that walk therein. In common with other communities. Pox ton has plenty of “arm-chair cl itics" and si red-corner commentators- —-waved by prejudice rather ilinn the common good, hut who fail to lend a helping hand in the active work of administration. The duty of citizenship demands a certain amount of -elf-sacrifice and determination to see things done on right lines, and a courage to face opposition in the attempt. The vole cringor its a rule i- a wobbling timeserver, plucky only when expressing his views in camera. We believe Euxton possesses sufficient men with vision capable of filling the responsible positions now open, if they can be induced to come forward. The expenditure of a large .-uni of money on local public works demands the services of the best qualified men in the community, and we hope they will rise to the occasion.

THE MAYORALTY. IT is practically certain that the sitting Mayor (Mr •lohn Cliryshill) will be returned unopposed for the Mayoralty. Since occupying the chair. Mr Chry-tall has succeeded iu getting tiie thrice-defeated and lung deferred loan proposals for water and drainage carried by a majority of the ratepayers, and the work of reticulation is now proceeding. This is the biggest undertaking the Council has yet attempted, and in this connection the Mayor had the hacking and co-op-erntion of practically the whole Council. The Mayor and Council have co-operated harmoniously during the present term, and the review recently published by the Town Clerk indicated the work accomplished, which was highly satisfactory. If any fault is to be found in the Mayor, it is due to his extreme caution —in these times of depression it good fault —and he has been careful not to overrun.the constable. His continuance in office will, wo feel sure, meet with the general approval of the burgesses.

THE COUNCIL. SEVERAL of the present Councillors. namely Crs. Hunt, Pearson. and McMurray, will not seek ro-eleetion, but the remainder, viz., Crs. G. C. Coley, Errant, Parkin, M. H. Walker, Rand and Thompson , will offer themselves for re-election. The thanks of the burgesses are due to the retiring Councillors for services rendered. There is room in the Council to till the vacancies for the best men of business capacity we have iu the community, for the reason that several matters of vital importance will come up for discussion, apart from the completion of the water and drainage scheme, first, there is the hydro-electric

scheme, arid fox ton must keep its claims for electrical supply in the foreground, as we depend in large measure on industrial prusuits upon which the hydro-electric scheme will have nji important bearing. Then there is the re-erection of the Council Chamber and Public Library, aud in this connection no time should be lost in an endeavour to secure the old post office site for the purpose. It will be seen, therefore, that the services of real live men arc required to control affairs, and we hope a wise selection will be made from sufficient candidates offering.

HARBOUR BOARD. TWO candidates are required for positions on the Harbour Board. Mr W. Bock is Foxton’s only representative at present, as the vacancy caused by the death of the late Chairman, Mr P. J. Honuessy, has not been filled. Air Bock lias been a real “live wire” on the Board, and his loss would he disastrous. AYe» are pleased lo state that he will continue to offer his services. There is one man in the community who is pre-eminently qualified to fill the other vacancy, Air W. Signal, and we hope lie will consent to nomination. SCHOOL COMMITTEE. A COAJAIITTEE of nine is required for the School Committee, and in this connection we would again remind householders that nominations close on Monday next, at 8 p.m., with the Chairman. No nominations can now be made at householders’ meetings, which will do away with confusion, and the machinations of cliques at the householders’ meeting. The public should not forget that they have a direct interest in rhe school, and their representatives on the Committee are responsible for capable administration and the educational welfare of the children. The Committee is lho link between the public and Department through the Board. Good work has been accomplished by the present Committee, and much remains to bo done to bring the environment up to the standard of the new school. Apart from which a watchful care must lie exerted to see that the school is not deprived of any of its rights and privileges provided by the Act. A live Committee can do much to promote the educational advancement and general health of the children.