THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 291, 1 May 1913, Page 4

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Mr. G. W. Browne's victory yesterday in the election for. the, New Plymouth Mayoralty was of a decisive character, and leaves no room for doubt as to the mind of the town regarding the ability of the respective candidates to steer the municipal ship during the ensuing term of heavy weather. We l cannot l say that the result came as a surprise under the circumstances, for Mr. Medley had neglected to "make good," whilst the retiring Mayor, on the other hand, had, with all his shortcomings, striven with an untiring singleness and honesty of purpose for the good of the;town, and given to the burgesses of his ;»best. A lesson is contained in the.■ final figures, which may with advantage be taken' to heart by those aspiring to public preferment. It is that there is in municipal affairs, as in the affairs of life, no royal road to success. A citizen, however estimable he may be, cannot expect to be taken on trust. He must show by practical endeavor that he is interested in the public welfare and not afraid; vtp! take his share of any duties of citizenship, however humble they may be. We take pleasure in offering our congratulations to Mr. Browne, and hope that he will prove equal to the onerous responsibility that will rest upon ■ him this year. He will have the advantage of having the advice of one of the best Councils New Plymouth has ever possessed. We view the immediate future with no misgivings. If we may presume to offer the Mayorelect a little advice, it is that he should not attempt to undertake too much, or bother with tlie detail work of the several departments. That may be safely left to the officers in charge, and if they do not prove satisfactory it is easy to supersede them. He should hold as few meetings of the Council and committees as possible, and keep a tight rein on these meetings. If this advice is followed, and we offer it with due deference and humility, we believe the municipal machine will work more harmoniously and efficiently than it has done for some time past, and be productive of the best results. We are pleased that Mr. Fred Beilringer was placed at-'the top of the poll for the Hospital Board election, and that Mrs. Doekvill was given second position. It was no more than the chairman of the Board merited, for, as we said yesterday, he has made a very efficient chairman and has not spared himself in the interests of an institution, the standing and efficiency of which we are all justifiably proud of. That Mrs. Dockrill will prove a most valuable acquisition to the Board we have no doubt. We extend to them both our hearty congratulations, as well as to Mr. G. W. Browne, the other successful candidate s who, too, has done

splendid work on -the Board in the past, and has earned the renewal of confidence shown in him as a Boreugh representative on the Board.