Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1921. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2270, 30 April 1921, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1921. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

DURING the past week, although two very important elections have taken place, Foxton has not been stirred to any great depths of excitement. The School Committee and Borough Council elections did not arouse that interest and enthusiasm on the part of householders and electors which should indicate a keen sense of civic responsibility. It is pitiful to think that public interest can only be aroused on matters of grave moment when there is a prospect of a little excitement which can otherwise be obtained at picture entertainments or other places of public amusement. Does the public fully realise the value of the franchise? There would be a rude awakening and a tremendous uproar if their voting privileges were restricted. Yet about GO per cent, of those entitled to vote at the municipal election disfranchised themselves. Many of these will be the first to adversely criticise the Council’s administration. However, as the Mayor stated when speaking at the declaration of the poll, the present Council was the people’s constitutional choice, and they should remember this in their criticism. On the whole, the Councillors'elected are a good level-headed set of men, five being retiring councillors who have been associated with the Mayor in carrying through the water and drainage proposals. The four new “city fathers," .although not having served previously in any public capacity, arc capable business men with more than a passing knowledge of the borough’s requirements. That they will justify (he confidence reposed in them goes without saying. To Mr !■'. D. W hiltley, who topped the poll, we tender our hearties) congratulations. He is native horn, and the high honour conferred upon him by his fellowcitizens ]troves the exception to the rule that a prophet is with honour save in his own country. The defeated councillors are to be commended for their willingness to shoulder civic responsibility, and they are entitled to the thanks of the community. We congratulate the new Councillors upon their election, and hope that they will co-op-erate with the Mayor in discharging their duties for the advancement of tlie Uorouuh :unl the health and welfare of the communilv as a whole.