LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3627, 19 April 1927, Page 2

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS.

THE MAYORALTY. AAT* congratulate the Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau) upon being reelected unopposed for the Mayoralty. When Mr. Perreau contested the Mayoralty two years ago lie had not previously served on the Council, but his activities in other local affairs justified his aspiring to the highest office in the gift of citizens and, during his term of office, be has displayed a progressive spirit and bis re-election- without opposition is both a tribute to his services and a mark of confidence in his ability to carry on for a further term. With the co-operation of the new Council, the municipal coach should run smoothly and make further advancement on safe and progressive lines. MUNICIPAL ELECTION. The burgesses will be called upon to- select nine Councillors from ten candidates ■offering. All the sitting Councillors, except Crs. McMurray and AAunstanley, are (seeking re-elec-tion. The former gentleman has been a member of the Council for some years anti has rendered good service. The thanks of the ratepayers are due to him in this respect and regret will be expressed at his retirement.. The new aspirants for office are Messrs John Ross, R. Rangiheuea and C. Spring. Mr. Ross has taken an active interest in local affairs for many years, notably as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, school committee, Beautifying and Horticultural Societies. . Mr. Rangiheuea is a citizen well versed in local body government. He is secretary -of the Foxton Harbour Board, secretary of the Fire Board, secretary of the Manawatu Rabbit Board, honorary secretary of the High School committee and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In all these important positions he has carried out his duties with commendable efficiency and his services on the Borough Council would be particularly helpful. The nomination of Mr. C. Spring is unique in the annals of municipal affairs in this country. Mr. Spring is a nonagenarian, having passed his ninetieth year. At this groat age he is both physically fit and mentally alert and takes a keen interest in municipal affairs. His unselfish desire to serve his i town and fellow citizens is in striking contrast to the apathy and indifference of many men of half his years in the community. While we do not agree that a man of his years should carry any burden of responsibility in local government affairs there are many who will support him for his pluck. The sitting Councillors have all given of their best and to vote for a single elimination will be a difficult proposition. HARBOUR BOARD ELECTION. There are four nominations for the two seats on the Harbour Board viz., Messrs John Chrystall and R. McMurray (sitting members) H. Berry and R. Bryant. The Board is at present endeavouring to obtain legislation which will give it authority to subsidise shipping in order to promote more regular service to the port. It is also endeavouring to get the Forestry Department to assist in planting the banks with suitable trees and marram grass to prevent the sand drifts, which cause obstructions in the channel. The proposed river board’s scheme and cut, if carried out, will also have an important bearing upon the Board’s future policy. In order to enlighten the electors on these points the candidates should express their views in order that a wise ehoiee can be made. HOROWHENUA POAVER BOARD. Mi- R. Bryant has been elected unopposed as Foxton’s representative on the Horowhenua Electric Power Board. The sitting member, Air A. Ross, did not seek -re-elec-tion owing to ill health. Mr Ross rendered valuable service on the Board by reason of his technical and practical engineering knowledge, and the attention he gave to local requirements. General regret will be felt at his retirement. Mr Bryant can be relied upon to see that Foxton’s interests are not overlooked by the Board.