THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. A Transformation Scene.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 42, 20 April 1901, Page 8

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. A Transformation Scene.

IT must be confessed that) the widening of the municipal franchise has had a very healthy effect upon local affairs. Surely, never before was there such eager competition m Wellington for the honour of representing one's fel-low-citizens in the civic parliament, where the rewards are usually more kicks than half-pence For the twelve seats there are just twentyfour candidates in the field. Twelve of them have done service in the Council already, and may be judged by their past performances. The other twelve have not yet figured in the municipal arena, but all are well-known citizens. In fact, whatever may be the choice, it is a safe thing to predicate, from a survey of the candidates, that Wellington's first Council under the new franchise will bring her no discredit. * * * An infusion of new blood, as we have before remarked, will do no harm, and is almost certain to prove of considerable benefit. And, among the new men who offer their services, Mr. D. J. Nathan stands out prominently He represents the mercantile interests of the city, is energetic, has imbibed progressive ideas m the course of travel, and is just the sort of live, acute, pushing, and thoroughly wide-awake man that Wellington wants. Mr. Bolton, like Mr. Nathan, is a Wellington boy, his interests are bound up with the place, and his professional talents as a lawyer, coupled with his business training, are recommendations m his favour. • • • The interests of labour ought certainly to have some representation in the Council, and m Messrs. R. McKenzie,, D. .McLaren, R. Davenport, and A. Orr the burgesses have a fair field of choice. Among the present Councillors there are some who can ill be spared. Take, for instance, Councillor Evans, so honorably identified with all local schemes for the betterment of social conditions and the alleviation of distress. His aims are decidedly progressive, and he has no personal interest to serve. * ♦ * Councillors Barber, Townsend, Winder, Fielder, Luke, and Smith are all prommentiy identified with the commercial or manufacturing interests of the city, and have given a good account of themselves. Councillor Murdoch is a very old citizen, and has a ripe knowledge of municipal affairs. Councillor Anderson has been the vigilant guardian of Thorndon's interests, and the tireless champion of those who want to see the city equipped with recreation grounds, baths, and all the conveniences and comforts that sweeten the lives and soften the manners of the people. • • • As for the Mayoral contest, it is a question between Mr. Aitken, the present mayor, and Mr. T. M. Wilford. Mr. Aitken is a very estimable citizen, who, in spite x>f that fit of absent-mindedness ever the Willisstreet compensation claims, has done his duty conscientiously. Mr. Wilford is young, ambitious, and a local product The daily papers do not seem to like him. They speak of his inexperience. Just the same thing might have been said of Mr. Aitken when he became mayor for the first time last year. They deplore Mr. Wilford's introduction of politics into this contest. As he has not yet opened his mouth to address the electors, this is distinctly funny Let the young man have a fair field and no favour. If the burgesses want him, they will elect him m spite of the papers. At any rate, there is room for a strong infusion of new and fresh blood in the City Council.