NOT WANTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1938, Page 7

NOT WANTED

PARTY POLITICS IN LOCAL AFFAIRS “PICK THE MAN TO DO THE JOB” “Do not select the candidate you are going to Vote for by the colour of his political tie, but by his ability to do the job,” observed the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, in the course of his remarks at last night’s meeting of electors. Later, Mr Jordan deprecated the intrusion of party politics into local body contests.

“I have heard,” said Mr Jordan, “that there is a party ticket being run in connection with this contest. I hope that is not true, and I would be very sorry if it were so. It would be the wrong use of a dog fight. Pick the man who is suited for the job, and not because he is of the right colour. The retiring council have very carefully refrained from having anything to do with political questions, and I hope that order will continue.” Mr Jordan urged the selectors to take their election responsibilities seriously, to consider carefully before voting and, above all, to be sure and record their votes.

“I am sorry to say that at times the shadow of party politics has entered into the discussions at board meetings,” remarked Mr T. R. Barrer, who is seeking re-election to the Wellington Harbour Board. He was definitely of the opinion that local body affairs should be removed from the turmoil of party political strife. Mr G. W. Morice, a candidate for the borough council, agreed that party politics should not be allowed to enter into local body business. The ideal state would be to have no parties at all. That, however, was a forlorn hope.