LABOUR’S AIMS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20494, 10 May 1938, Page 8

LABOUR’S AIMS

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS HAMILTON CANDIDATES SPEAK LAST PUBLIC MEETING HELD With the poll taking place on Wednesday, the Labour ticket for the Hamilton municipal elections held its last public meeting in the Alexandra Hail last evening before a large and attentive audience. The policy of the candidates was fully expounded and many phases of local affairs were dealt with. The chairman of the Labour Representation Committee, Mr A. Grant, presided. In stating the Labour party’s attitude towards the removal of Garden Place Hill, the candidate for the Mayoralty, Mr C. Croall 6aid it was only the people who could decide whether the hill would be removed or not. The party did not support either scheme. “The Labour Party is not in favour of another poll," said Mr Croall, in reply to a question. “If the people wish to have another vote taken we will see to It. Our policy is not to take another poll and to ignore the last one.” The speaker emphasised the need for a better water supply in Hamilton and believed that it was the duty of his party to improve it. He also stated that if the citizens and ratepayers demanded a town hall then the party would make it its job to investigate the requirements. Other matters which would be attended to by the Labour members if returned would be the reorganisation of the gas and electricity charges and it would also direct its attention to the carrying out of kerbing and channelling. Experience

Referring to statements which had been made regarding the Labour members’ lack of experience, Mr Croall pointed out that the present New Zealand Government had had no previous experience on the Treasury benches, but when they did come into office they had proved successful. Mr P. B. Gavin emphasised the need for democracy and freedom amongst the people. His party had in mind a vigorous policy for roadworks within the borough and it was not its intention to apply its activities to the town alone hut to give the outside areas their fare share of the money expended and the work executed. Efforts had been made by the authorities in other towns to bring their boroughs up to the standard demanded by science and modern civilisation. Hamilton lacked the facilities possessed by other centres and whatever council was successful it had a duty to perform in providing the amenities required. “There are two commodities which the council sells to the people, gas and electricity,” said Mr G. Wright. “The gas works are saddled with a fairly heavy debt and also with interest which has to be paid by the people. To prove popular the gas has to be In reach of the people and I suggest that a reduction of one shilling per 1000 feet be made. This reduction will make accessable to the housewife a modern cooker and tlio increased consumption will compensate the council for the reduction in charge's.” The speaker also dealt with the cost of electricity in Hamilton. Revenue From Electricity

Mr C. Lafferty 6tated that the major portion of the work carried out in the borough during the last few years had been executed with the revenue derived from the sale electricity. He quoted figures to demonstrate the point and which showed the accumulated profit and the works on which it had been spent. It was claimed by the speaker that Frankton had not received its fair share of the maintenance and constructive work which had been carried out in the borough. Only a few men were employed in that area to look after & vast mileage of streets as well as to apply a certain amount of time to the railway settlement. Certainly unemployed workmen had been detailed to the Frankton district. Dealing with the future of the railway crossings in the borough Mr Lafferty considered It was the duty of the incoming council to Improve these crossings, which were becoming dangerous to the public. Other speakers during the evening were Messrs G. Duncan, W. J. Waters, and F. Williams. Mr R. J. Brooks was unavoidably absent. At the conclusion of the meeting a number of questions were asked the candidates and a motion endorsing the party’s policy was carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chair was also carried.