The Times FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1944. Mayor and Council

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 63, 17 March 1944, Page 4

The Times FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1944. Mayor and Council

Within a few weeks citizens must face the responsibility of electing a new city administration—mayor and council. The first sign of life, of awakening interest in the matter, was revealed this week in that a deputation waited upon the Mayor asking him to stand for h further term. Unlike Wellington, as yet there has not appeared upon the scene any other notable candidate nor does rumour credit the presence of any citizen likely to be successful seeking this office. An onerotts and responsible office it has been and promises to be. Mr. A. E. Hansford has for many years past filled this high post with distinction, being competent and forceful in administra tipn and dignified in office. Certainly no adequate reason can be advanced for a change. Palmerston North has been indeed fortunate in its eitv administration as regards both mayor and council. The latter body possesses a very sound personnel, including several outstanding members, and it would be quite a satisfactory outcome if the whole of these men were re-elected eu bloc. It is probable, however, that some of the councillors may wish to retire and thus provide openings for new members. In any ease it is a good thing to have injected into a council, or any other such body, a proportion of new members bringing new ideas and a new approach to old problems. ' In past years, here as throughout New Zealand, the Labour political party has put up “tickets” of candidates for all the principal local offices. It is hardly likely that the mayoralty will be contested, but citizens should be alert to any attempt to gain control of the council by well-intentioned but inexperienced men.