CANDIDATES FOR THE COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3173, 26 April 1909, Page 4

CANDIDATES FOR THE COUNCIL.

There are eleven candidates for I the Borough Council, of whom nine ] will be elected at the election, which will take place on Wednesday next. That interest in our Municipal elections should be displayed will certainly be admitted by the burgesses, and the fact that the nominations exceed the number of vacancies may be accepted, on a broad ground, as being satisfactory. We are, however, of opinion that the members of the retiring Council have acquitted themselves creditably. Their duties undoubtedly have been at times of a responsible character, and intricate problems have been presented to them. Our sympathy is always with those who serve the public from patriotic motives, and without hope of fee or reward in any shape or character, save, and it is the reward most treasured by the honest public man, the good opinion and respect of bis fellow townsmen. Ihe members of the retiring Council are Messrs J. Hunter, A. fiaughey, W. Pragnell, J. Yarr, J. Elliott, J. C. Ewington, J.Pauling, W. Morr's and J. Prentice. Mr Hunter, who is contesting the election for Mayor, is not again a candidate for the Council, and, consequently, the three "new" candidates are Messrs R. Rigg, F. W. Temple and T. G. Hoar. It is obvious that two of the candidates will not be returned. Elsewhere a number of addresses, to which we direct attention, are published by those seeking the suffrages of the burgesses. Cr Yarr, who is a capable public speaker, has addressed the burgesses, and a report of his\remarks appears elsewhere in this issue. Without desiring to make comparisons—in a case where comparisons would prob* ably be odious—we would venture to suggest that Cr Yarr's advent in Municipal politics has been distinctly advantageous in the way of creating an increased interest in matter of importance to the community at large Mr J C. Ewington, an experienced Councillor, declares that he would "strenuously oppose a general rate of more than 2d in the £ at least for the ensuing twelve months," and, moreover, he is in favour of a reduction in the price of gas. It is our opinion that a re- 1 duction in the price of gas could and should be made, and we think that the burgesses before recording their votes should consider this question, and who of the candidates for office are in favour of the reduction mentioned. Although" they have not published any such opinion, at the same time we have good reason for stating that several of the candidates for the Council are in favour of a reduction in the price of gas. Candidates who have not served on the Council during the past year are Messrs F. W. Temple, T. *". Hoar and R. flHrg, all of whom are well known citizens, whale both Messrs Temple and Hoar have served on the Council during recent years. Mr Rigg is a candidate who should meet with a large measure of support, and his promise that if returned he will see that the ratepayers get good value for their money is certainly one that he will endeavour to carry out. Tnere is not a candidate offering his sercvies who is not qualified for a seat, on fhe Council,

and but a few votes should separate the successful from the unsuccessful candidates, while all of them are entitled to the thanks of the community for contesting the election.