LOCAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 May 1921, Page 5

LOCAL POLITICS.

RATEPAYERS’ INTERESTS. WORK IN NEW PLYMOUTH. A meeting of the New Plymouth Central Ratepayers’ Association was held in the Soldiers’ Club last night, Mr. C. Carter presiding over a representative attendance of members. The report of the executive stated that the association was formed in April of 1919. On various occasions the town had been thoroughly organised to secure the return of suitable men to fulfil the various offices on the Borough Council, and this work had been of great value. The selection of representatives to the Harbor Board aud Hospital Board also had the whole-hearted support of the organisation. The association had taken a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town, and their recommendations had been treated with consideration by the different local bodies concerned. The housing question was thoroughly discussed and the Borough Council had been urged to .provide better housing facilities for its employees. The protest in regard to the proposed levy of a wheel-tax by the Taranaki County Council had been supported and the association had also joined in the Saturday half-holiday movement. The report stated that recommendations were made to the Borough Council in favor of a reduction of the electric light charges, but it was regretted these had not been given effect to. Tire chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that the thanks of the outgoing committee were due to the electors for the splendid way in which they voted at the polls last week. He remarked that the “ticket” put out by the associations contained some names which were not familiar to the people, some of the candidates having come to the town only recently, but all, had been successful, and the lowest candidate had received 1000 votee more than the highest of the opposition. The executive was indebted for the loan of a number of cars, and to the Express Company for the use of their office. It must be gratifying to the town that the committee had accomplished so much generally and anything it had seconded had met with success. The report indicated that they had now a central organisation of ratepayers* associations, which, if they only kept together, would be a strong factor in future polls. Referring to'the association’s attitude in regard to Labor, Mr. Carter said they did not wish it to be inferred that the rank and file was being ignored, as their activities were directed against the extreme elements. Labor would always command a very important vote in any town, and he always conceded that they had a right to representation on local bodies. The time was coming when Labor would break away from the extremists guiding them at. present, and, with saner men at the head, would be a strong force in the community. The adoption of the report was seconded by Mr. W. Ambury and carried. The following were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr. C. Carter (reelected) ; committee. Messrs. W. H. , Skinner, J. McLeod, J. Abbott, H. J. Abram, A. Ambury, R. A. Large and L. A. Nolan.