HEATHCOTE COUNTY ELECTIONS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14010, 5 April 1911, Page 3

HEATHCOTE COUNTY ELECTIONS.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE TRESS." ' Sir, —To-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock, the polling booths for the election of councillors to represent tho various ridings of the new Heathcote county, will ODon- i To the older residents of the district \ it is with some feeling _f regret that they see the old Heathcote Road Board, which ha& always so ably and fairly discharged its offices, pass away. However, the old Board has given birth to a more powerful and effective local body, a County Council. ! The Heathcote county is now'one of the wealthiest counties in Canterbury, and it behoves the ratepayers of the whole county to send forward useful and reliable men. Although the elections in only three I ridings are contested, it is to he hopvd that tho electors in those ridings will exercise their judgment wisely, and so insure that the right men will be re- , turned. j In glancing through the candidates' _ nomination list. I should like to call ' attention to one or two points. It is ! with pleasure that I notice that the ' younger generation is interesting itself in local politics; and I must wish the candidate, Mr F. A. Anderson, every success in the coming election.

Electors should insist on sending forward reliablo men, men who can be absolutely depended upon to carry out the wishes of the residents of his riding, and also to devote a certain amount of time to what might be termed charitable work. It is also of the very greatest importance that one of the ridings should send forward at least one candidate versed in local government, and thoroughly competent to act as chairman of the new County Council. If one will glance at the nomination list, tho namo of Mr George Scott will atr once arrest attention. Although I am not a resident of the Opawa riding, and although,' from my acquaintance with Mr Scott, I know that his sympathies and interests are with the Opawa riding, yet I think that the welfare of the county must bo considered before any potty local interests; and a moro capable man could not be named. The whole question of the economy of a' Councii is really dependent upon tho abilities of its leading spirit, the chairman. I take this opportunity of thanking Mr Scott for the great skill, work, and patience ho has bestowed upon our district for many years past. Indeed, most of the improvements of the district havo been accomplished through the uniform civility, but undeviating tenacity of purpose, of Mr Scott, whom I might add, has had more local government experience than anyone in the county. Added to this, he probably knows the district better than any one in the district. In conclusion I express the sincere hope that the people of Opawa will not manifest their usual changeful-ess, but will exercise for the good, not only of the Opawa riding, but also of the whole county, tho same sound judgment that they havo hitherto exercised in the choice of their representative and chairman.—Yonrs, HEATHCOTE COUNTY RESIDENT.