Page 3 Advertisements Column 6

West Coast Times, Issue 321, 3 October 1866, Page 3

Election Notice. TO THE ELECTORS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF HOKITIKA. Gentlemen — A S a candidate for your suffrages at the approaching election, I consider myself bound to give you my opinions on some of the chief topics that must engross the attention'of tb,e Municipal Council.* lam a man of few^words, and will not, therefore, go into detail, but will state generally my views, ' In the first place, it is absolutely necessary to commence vast improvements in the formation of our streets, and' no rate, in reason-, that could be imposed would do half of what is required. I therefore would be willing that, as provided' by the Ordinance, a loan should be raised for this purpose, to be repaid as required by law ; and this would be but lightly felt, as the improved streets would bring in increased revenue through the higher rating ; where bai'ejspots now are, houses would quicklyBe erected, and therefore any reasonable loan, bearing moderate interest, I should be in favor of at the outset. With respect to drainage there can be but one opinion ; and I should, in case of election, do all in fey power to have a t thoroughly scientific examination, so as to ascertain the best method of keeping the swampy portions of the town free from' water, and render much that is at present comparatively uninhabitable — dry, and fit for occupation. The care of the wharves is distinctly given over to the Council by the Municipal Ordinance, "and I presume that that body may, therefore, be authorised to fix dues. „ Should this be 'the case, I am of opinion that they should be as light as possible, so that every possible encout , - ragement may be given to shipping to j frequent this port. The supply of water is a most necessary measure,- and I shall exert myself by all means in my power to bring it about. Few places are so favorably situated as Hokitika in this respeclf, for a constant and ample supply can be obtained at comparatively little expense. Should I' be returned, this shall be my first care. The maintenance of an effective Fire Brigade in a town composed as this one is, "almost entirely of wood, is, I consider, one of the most imperative duties of the Council,; and I^hall at all times be most happy in endeavoring, by all means in my power, to assist the disinterested, body of volunteers who have come forward So readily on all occasions. I -think that an annual grant, to liberally cover all contingencieß,^hould be-freely granted them. I do not believe in log-rolling, and no personal, consideration, if entrusted with power by the .public, shall induce me to expend money unfairly or .to favor any particular part of the town. I will to the utmost of my power see that funds are equitably as well as economically distributed, and that no street shall have reason to .complain. In conclusion, I may say, that I will do the N best I can for my constituents if thought worthy of being returned. I will reduce taxation to the lowest possible limit sufficient for municipal purposes. I am one of the oldest residents, have seen the growth of Hokitika, and know its wants. With its progress I have pro- . gressed, and' by doing all I can to serve my fellow townsmen, I should 'in fact be only doing all in* my power to serve myself ; my interests are bound up with those ol the ratepayers of this town. If the latter consider that I am fitted to watch over both, I shall to the very utmost of my power endeavor to prove that the confidence was not undeserved. I am, Gentlemen, Your obetlient servant, J. FITZSIMMONS. Reyell-street, Oct. 1, 1866. 4573