WARD SYSTEM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 9

WARD SYSTEM

BOROUGH REPRESENTATION HAMILTON EAST PROPOSAL The suggestion that the ward system of representation on the Hamilton Borough Council should be used at the next election was revived by the Hamilton Ratepayers and Citizens’ Association in a letter received at a meeting of the council last night. The meeting was presided over by the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro. The matter was formerly brought before the council by the association following a meeting in May at which the association passed a resolution that the council review the method of electing councillors, and that it be recommended that the ward system of representation be adopted for the next election. In that letter the writers detailed several points in favour of the proposal, and stated that it would guard against unequal representation on the council and would inspire more interest in borough affairs. It would also, stated the association, encourage candidates who were at present unknown outside their own districts and who were unwilling to come forward to shoulder their share of borough responsibiliies. Another point brought forward was that the

system would eliminate party strife from municipal elections. After giving the matter consideration a committee of the council had no recommendation to make and the association was advised to this effect. In the letter received last night the association expressed itself as alarmed at the small percentage of votes coming to the poll. The recording, it said, was 47 per cent, with 10 per cent informal votes. The letter was received.