YESTERDAY'S VOTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1919, Page 4

YESTERDAY'S VOTING.

The principal feature of yesterday's voting was the success of the Harbor Board's loan proposal. The complete returns are not yet available, but enough is known to show that the poll has been carried by a sweeping majority. The gratifying feature is that the outer districts, 2 and 3 Areas, have given ii decisive vote in favor. The board is to be congratulated on securing such a splendid endorsement of its policy and so encouraging a mandate, while the ratepayers are to be commended for their good judgment and progressive spirit. They will never regret the step they have taken. The board will now be able to go right on with Mr. Blair Mason's scheme, and before long the town and province as a whole should derive substantial benefit, The return of Mr. Burgess as Mayor, by a big majority, was expected, while it was' felt that the old councillors were entitled to re-election. This was realised. The Labor "ticket" did not score on the council nor on the harbor or hospital boards. This was hardly -surprising, for the candidates did not evince a very practical acquaintance with the work al".d problems ahead of the various bodies. The adherents of unimproved value rating' had well organised things, and won the day. We cannot, of course, share their jubilation, ;or we believe a step has been taken that will inflict injustice on a section of ratepayers and must operate injuriously towards the town. Later on, when it is too late, many of those who supported the proposal will see the mistake they have made. However, no useful purpose is served by dwelling upon this error of judgment We only trust ratepayers will pull together and make the town in reality what it is in name —a capital worthy of a province that has immense resources and possibilities.