The Daily News. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1919. BOROUGH BYE-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1919. BOROUGH BYE-ELECTION.

The election to fill the vacancy on the* New Plymouth Council, caused by the elevation of Mr. Jaa. Clarke to the Mayoral chair, takes place to-morrow. Mr. W. H. Fitzpatrick and Mr. A. E. Sykes offer their services, the former in the interests of Labor, and the latter as one who has previously given his services to the town in several capacities, and is desirous of according further help. We cannot understand Mr. Fitzpatrick's attitude over the one-man trams and the disposal of the electric light profits. He is ■unreservedly against the former system, though its success has been demonstrated in several towns much larger than New Plymouth. Its adoption here will make a big difference in the working expenses, and make possible the early extension of the system to the other suburbs, so that, whilst reducing labor in one respect, it will provide for labor elsewhere. To oppose the system, therefore, is very short-sighted policy, even from the standpoint of Labor. In regard to the electric light profits, Mr. Fitzpatrick says he is opposed to the department making large profits for "the benefit of a few of the people," meaning thereby the ratepayers. The surplus profits are now being devoted to the general work of the' borough. It i 3 not the few that benefit, but the whole. The ratepayers had the courage and enterprise to undertake the scheme, which for years had to be nursed, 1 until' now it is highly profitable. The

candidate's idea evidently is that the electric charges should he lowered to the" consumer, but there might be point in the contention if the rates were unduly high. As a matter of fact, they are among the lowest in the Dominion, and there is the alternative of installing gas if the public are dissatisfied. If Mr.' Fitzpatrick's views on other municipal matters ,are likewise unsound, we cannot see what useful purpose could be served by electing him. We regret this, as we believe Labor should have adequate representation on the Council. Mr Sykes, in his own business is energetic and progressive, and his recent trip has brought home to him more than ever the opportunities that are before New Plymouth, and the need for the pursuing of a sound and progressive policy. He has proved his worth as a councillor, also as a member of the Hospital Board, and it is to his credit that he has come forward again and offered his services to the burgesses in the present emergency. It is this public spirit that has been so lacking in the past, but the display of which is so necessary for the advancement of a town so richly endowed in natural resources as is New Plymouth. /