THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5139, 12 September 1877, Page 3

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

ADDRESSES BY MESSRS. OLELAND AND RAINIE. A public meeting was held at the Karori Hotel last evening, when Messrs. Eainie and Cleland addressed the electors of Thorndon Ward. There was a very fair attendance of the ratepayers, Mr. Marks being elected to the chair. At the appointed hour the Chairman called upon the candidate first in order to address the electors, namely, Mr. Rainie, who commenced his address byreferring to the law which guided the municipal elections, which he was of opinion required amendment. He then referred, to the past proceedings of the City Council, and what had been said as to the influence exercised upon it by the contractors, and he -coincided that there was much room for additional independence in the City Council. .With reference to the town hall he expressed the opinion that there was more made of it - than necesssary, inasmuch as there was at present no pressing necessity for a building .of the kind. The candidate then referred very briefly to the drainage question, as to which he said his views were very well known, having been so frequently explained in the City Council. Much had been said of late about the desirability of the Town Clerk being a member of. the legal profession, but so far as he wap concerned, he thought they would do better to continue the present system. He did not revert to any other subject, and in conclusion expressed his willing--ness to answer any questions which ratepayers might desire to obtain information upon. In answer to a question, Mr. Rainie said he was of opinion that the staff of laborers should be reduced considerably. Mr. Cleland being called upon by the Chairman, next addressed the' meeting, and imprimis spoke of Mr. Allen’s address to the electors, in which he had referred to various points brought before them, although he might just as well have let them alone, as there were many other matters requiring attention. Mr. Clelapd then referred to several matters of local import and Accessary works, such as drains, &0.,. and accused Mr. Maginity of being ignorant of local requirements, in co'nsequence of what fell from that gentleman at the Princess’ Hotel on Saturday evening last. There had been a number of improvements in the various streets within the ward ; but naturally enough there still remained much to be done, and the ratepayers might rest assured that he would in the future do everything that would lie in his power to consult their interests. The candidate then referred to the past proceedings of the Council as to contracts, and as to the work performed within the city expressed regret that the action taken by Mr. Allen had to a large extent interfered with the efforts which had been put forth by Mr. Rainie and himself (Mr. Cleland) in the interests of Thorndon Flat. He then referred to the different candidates for Thorndon Ward, and in reference to Mr. Maginity, said they could not expect that gentleman, who was in business, to devote so much attention to the work of a City Councillor as he (Mr. Cleland) was in a position to do. He asked the ratepayers to vote for himself and Mr. Rainie, and he would desire to see Mr. G. Fisher elected, that gentleman having in his speech opened the eyes of the ratepayers in reference to the conduct of municipal affairs in the past. He admitted that there was room for reform in relation to the officers of the Council. In the first place, while not agreeing that the Town Clerk should necessarily be a solicitor, he thought that a reduction might be effected in the direction of solicitors’ fees, which formed a considerable item in the general expenditure. He also alluded to Mr. Marchant, whom ho acknowledged to be an able engineer and a man of more than ordinary ability. He felt satisfied as to his being the right man in the right place as to the position he occupied in relation to the Waterworks, but he did not consider Mr. Marchant fit for the position of City Engineer, inasmuch as he was not sufficiently practical, and had been found wanting in matters of detail. Several questions were then put by members of the meeting and answered by the candidate. Mr. Broughton then proposed,—That this meeting, being sensible of the valuable services rendered by Messrs. Cleland and Rainie, will use every endeavor to secure the return of these gentlemen at the ensuing election. The motion was seconded by Mr. PoYNTBB. A vote of thanks having been accorded to the chairman, the meeting dispersed.