The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1876.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 120, 3 June 1876, Page 2

The Patea Mail. PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1876.

On Monday next, the nomination of candidates to fill the vacancies occasioned through the annual retirement by rotation, of three members of the Town Board, will take place, and, in case of a poll being demanded, the same will he taken on the following day. That there will be a contest there cannot be a doubt, and, though the electorate is very small, it will be a-keen one. Indeed the small number of ratepayers who can be present to vote will enable candidates to canvass them all the more zealously, and create thereby greater interest in the result. Since we last referred to the subject, there has been no change, nor any prospect of other candidates, the list comprising Messrs Sherwood, Taplin, and Rhodes, the retiring candidates, all of whom will seek re-election, with Messrs Dale and Aitchson, who as yet have not won civic laurels. Mr R. A. Adams is not unlikely to be added to this list, though, at the time of writing, he has not definitely made up his mind. It is, however, in the highest degree improbable that any addition will be made to the above names, and the ratepayers now know from whom they can choose three representatives. The fact of half a dozen coming forward is a proof that seats at the Board, though unattended by any emolument, and indeed only involving loss of time, and in some cases a great deal of trouble, are valued and deemed worthy of local ambition. As wc pointed out on a previous occasion, the Town Board in future will, from its endowments, to say nothing of promised subsidiary liberality on the part of the Government, on Abolition being consummated, have a fair income to expend, and will not be crippled for want of means in any works that may be necessary to carry out. It is also a matter for congratulation that amongst all the present candidates there is not an objectionable name. The original Board of which the three members above-named were component parts, and from which the conditions of the Ordinance evict them, wound up their financial year, with a good balance in hand, and during its brief existence did good service. Now that larger funds are at command no doubt greater good will be effected. Hence many ratepayers are favorable to sending them back again, though there nre others who desire to see new blood infused into the Board. Mr Sherwood has discharged the duties of chairman very efficiently, and his return is most probable. Mr Taplin’s career has been distinguished by straightforwardness and impartiality, whilst Mr Rhodes has shown himself possessed of good practical common sense, in all the business brought before the Board. Mr Dale is a . well-known and highly energetic citizen, and, in case of his return—which his friends say is certain—his business capacity and his thorough local knowledge will be of great value. Mr Aitchson’s practical experience would, in the event of his election, have ample opportunity for coming into play, and would unquestionably prove exceedingly serviceable to the Board, in many works that will have to be undertaken. Mr Adams is a first-class man of business, and would no doubt make a good member. It will thus be seen that all have some recommendation or other, and it necessarily follows that on whomsoever the choice may fall, those selected will do no discredit to the Board, but on the contrary may very likely strengthen it for future usefulness. It is not for us to attempt by any means to influence the voles of our readers; all we say is, may those that will prove the best men, win.