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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2322, 26 August 1880, Page 2

The burgesses of Timaru arc about to be called upon to exercise their annual privilege of electing their municipal representatives. The retiring Councillors are Messrs Bruce, Jones, and Gabitcs. Neither of these gentlemen have signified whether it is their intention to offer themselves for reelection, but wc believe that one, if not two of them will permanently retire. In any case there ought to be no great difficulty in finding "eligible candidates for'the vacancies. The position of the Council, thanks to the judicious and skilful management of the holders of office, has been materially improved. Financial difficulties have been overcome, and during the ensuing term, our municipal representatives will have a considerable amount of money and patronage to dispose of. It is this consideration which makes the forthcoming elections of more than ordinary importance. As regards the retiring councillors, there cun be but one feeling ; they arc entitled to the thunks of the community for the services they have rendered in the interests of the borough. Hut while the ratepayers are warranted in endorsing the action of their representatives during a season of stagnation and depression, it is desirable that the opportunity now afforded them of anticipating future municipal legislation should' not be neglected. The by-laws recently passed by the Council have endowed the members with large administrative powers. These powers may be exercised in a way that will prove beneficial to the ratepayers, or they may be rendered oppressive and mischievous. There is one thing which in self-defence the burgesses will do well to keep in view. They must remember that for all practical purposes they arc sufficiently taxed already, and they should vigorously resist innovations that are likely, directly or indirectly, to increase the public burdens, Of course there are taxes which arc unavoidable —such as water rates, and probably a special rate for the maintenance of charitable institutions. But there are taxes which are not indispensible,and which, unless restricted, will probably bo imposed. Bye-law No. 12 for instance is as beautifully elastic as the Vagrant Act. It repeals a previous bye-law and regulation in reference to the licensing of pedlars and hawkers, and it enables the Council to declare to what persons the term shall apply, and “to fix the sums payable to the Borough fund for such licenses.” It is stated that some of the members of the Council taking advantage of this bye-lgw intend to introduce what is known in the old country as market duos. Farmer’s wives, gardeners, and others, bringing their dairy produce, such as butter and eggs to town are to be debarred from supplying the consumer direct, unless they contribute a handsome fee to the Borough exchequer. Now this is an inter-

tvrouce witli trade which will appeal strongly to a very large number ot ratepayers who at present obtain their weeklv supplies fresh from the hands of the producer and at first cost. By imposing a heavy license fee the Council may benefit a few retailers, but'on the other hand they will do a cruel injustice to hundreds of consumers, by putting them to unnecessary inconvenience and expense. The establishment of licenses in such cases will simply mean the imposition of market dues, and we need hardly point out that market dues in a town without a public market, would be somewhat premature. The country producers, if such a provision is enforced, will virtually be prohibited from retailing their wares, and the ratepaying consumers must necessarily be the chief sufferers. "We have called attention to this bye-law by way of illustrating the necessity on the part of the ratepayers, for making their voices heard at the forthcoming elections, and for seeing that the candidates are thoroughly sound, as regards the public interest.