THE MAYORAL ELECTION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 269, 24 April 1917, Page 2

THE MAYORAL ELECTION

Mr Costello's Candidature

At the conclusion of the patriotic meeting, held last evening in the Premier Hall, Pukekohe, Mr James Costello again addressed the electors in furtherance of his candidature for the Mayoralty of Pukflkohe, the building being well filled despite the inclemency of the weather. Mr Henry Dell presided and stated that as a charga had been brought against him that he had arranged the Abzac Day celebration as part of the proceedings for purposes of "vote catching," he wished to explain that such was untrue. % He had lived many years in Pukekohe and no one could say but that his actions had always b<en straight and above board (applause). Mr Dell then read the circular sent out by the Acting Prime Minister (Bhr James Allen), dated March Bth last, asking Mayors and Chairmen of other local bodies to arrange a celebration of the anniversary of Anzic Day for April 23rd and he explained that as nothing was being done by the Mayor (Mr Mason) he, as President of the Chamber of Commerce, determined that the anniversary should be recognised as it had been that night.

JVSTIOE fOB ALL. Mr Costello, who was warmly received on rising to speak, first stated that, if elected, he would do his best to serve the town and the ratepayers and he would endeavour to see that each ratepayer received attention out of the money contributed in rates (applause) Mr Costello then made reference to a circular issued by Mr Mason (the retiring Mayor), in which he took credit to himself for all the work carried out by the council in the past two years, whereas, for instance. Mr Costello pointed out it wu Or Ivan Motion who was responsible for the "improved plant with which the Ffre Brigade was now equipped and Cr Roadley had to be given credit for bringing the electric light scheme forward.

THE BOAWXG SCHEME. Dealing with the tarred macadam roads being laid out in Pukekohe, Mr Costello said that tar, as a created body, had no life and that the adoption of tarred macadam for the treatment of roads had proved a failure wherever tried That it was now being cairied out in Pukekohe was, according to reliable engineers, a monument to the Council's simplicity and a waste of money. He considered that before spending further money the Council should get expert advice and he believed concrete roads would last for an indefinite time.

SANITARY MKTHOI»B. The candidate, alluding to sanitary matters, blamed the Council for not endeavouring to make some friendly arrangement with the Karaka Road Board when that authority wrote objecting to night soil from Pukekohe being "dumped" at Paerata. Had that been done instead of the Council throwing the responsibility on the contractor he thought the difficulties that had occurred would have been avoided.

WAGES TO WORKEkS. In respect to wages paid to labourers in the Qouncil's employ Mr Costello expressed the opinion that a war bonus should be ungrudgingly paid particularly having regard to the fact that married men were hard pressed to meet the increased cost of living (applause) Mr Costello concluded by assuring his hearers that he cheerfultji left himself in their hands as he knew they wou'd do him justice at the poll.

QUESTIONS. On questions being invited Mr Costello, in answer to Mr W. Pearce, said he hoped for a satisfactory arrangement to be made for the disposal of night soil and would endeavour to improve the service. Asked by Capt. Elford (Salvation Army) whether, if elected, ha would be prepared to tike the chair at meetings call-d by churches of any denomination, Mr Costello staged he would only be too pleated to do so when asked.

In reply to the Kev. 8. Nixon, the candidate said he considered a proper drainage scheme very necessary but it would have to stand over until money was available. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the candidate for his address and to the chairman.