“Taranaki Central Press” MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1937. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 456, 14 June 1937, Page 4

“Taranaki Central Press” MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1937. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

To-morrow the electors of Stratford will be called upon to select two councillors from the seven who have been nominated. Such evidence of interest in municipal affairs is unusual, but healthy. Too frequently is there apparent apathy and indifference. With seven eager candidates in the field there has been created a situation that must react beneficially to the town. But there is a further reason for this remarkable interest. The election comes at a time when the policy of the Council, particularly in regard to the utilisation of electricity profits to keep down rates, has been trenchantly criticised. No doubt the opinions of candidates on these major points will influence the votes of a large number of burgesses. It will be recalled that although a meeting of ratepayers almost unanimously favoured a reduction in electricity charges the Council did not accept what to all intents and purposes was a mandate from the residents of the town. Another matter which will no doubt be mentioned at the public meeting this evening is the disgraceful state of the footpaths outside the business area. The Mayor, Mr J. W. McMillan, his rightly pointed out the urgency of prior attention to roads, but at the same time the rights of pedestrians cannot be wholly overlooked. On the eve of the poll there appears to be no evidence of a block »vote, and the issue is very much in doubt. Two of the candidates have had previous experience in, public affairs. Some are known as fluent and forceful speakers, but whether their ideas are constructive and calculated to advance the welfare of the town has yet to be determined.