Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1923. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2555, 15 March 1923, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1923. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

I’HERE i* ovcrv indication that the Mayoralty will he contested this year. Mr Tlo]linos, who has taken up his residence in our midst has decided to place his services at the disposal of the ratepayers and it is possible that in the event: of the Mayor not seeking re-election, a Councillor will he forthcoming to till the breach. Mr ChrysfaU has occupied the position for the past six years and on each occasion has been elected unopposed. Prior to that he served as a Councillor and unsuccessfully contested (he Mayoralty with Mr Fraser. As he says, he has “had a good innings.” He has devoted much of his time at personal sacrifice to municipal affairs and during his period of ollice has carried out the long-deferred water and drainage scheme, which is now nearing completion. Mr C'hrystall's term of office has been characterised by a policy of extreme caution which is very necessary—provided it is not carried to the verge of parsimony. In any case, the sittisg Mayor has discharged his duties conscientiously and his one object has been to cut down expenditure to the lowest possible limit. An election will give ratepayers and house-bonders an opportunity of reviewing municipal affairs and to endorse the present or adopt a more progressive policy.

A CORRESPONDENT refers in this issue to the proposed erection of the Municipal Chambers. If is questionable whether the Council has acted wisely in deciding this mallei' on the eve of an election as the new Council will be committed to a work which may not be altogether acceptable to them or the ratepayers. No harm would be done in deferring the matter for a couple of months.