VIEWS VOICED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 27, 12 November 1947, Page 6

VIEWS VOICED

Local Body Candidates FOUR SPEAK LAST NIGHT Responding to an invitation from the Ashburton Ratepayers’ Association, four candidates for the Borough Council and other local bodies addressed electors at the Radiant Hall last evening. The speakers were Messrs J. T. Pratley. F. A. Coldicott, J. R. Richardson and H. Hepburn. Mr Pratley stated that lie had always taken a keen interest in public body affairs. He offered himself as a candidate because he considered his services could he of value to the community. If returned, he Avould advocate a long-range policy, with a view to solidity. There was need for a very progressive and comprehensive policy. Allenton, for instance, was in a very serious position and there was scope in that area; for much Avork. He also considered there' was room for general improA'cment in the town, particularly by way of pulling down old buildings. He considered also that a new valuation should he made by an outside valuer and that the the Avages of all council officers should be made public. «Many of the borough Avorks required reneAval, and by this time there should be enough in the consolidated fund to effect the reneAval of mains in various areas. Regarding his candidacy for the Power Board, Mr Pratley stated that for five or six years, he avus outside foreman for a HaAVke’s Bay body, and later had experience at Coleridge, so that he was thoroughly conversant Avith the practical side.

“Lack of Independence”

Mr Coldicott said that he Avas disappointed at the poor attendance, and that it seemed a poor recompense for the association’s efforts to safeguard the interests of ratepayers. In coupcil matters there appeared a lack of members with independent thought, and he hoped that a leavening of such would he more apparent in the new council. He felt that the council had lacked foresight in failing to lay down a long-range plan. At the present time there appeared to be an orgy of spending, but the council appeared to have forgotten the many people on fixed incomes who would find increased rates a very heavy burden. Regarding the Hospital Board, Mr Coldicott stated that it seemed to him that if the medical profession paid more attention to preventive measures it would'remove the need for so many additional hospital buildings. It Avas high time the public demanded health reforms, for at present they Avere simply being victimised.

“To Save Ratepayers’ Money”

Mr Richardson said that his main object in contesting the election was to save the ratepayers’ money. If file original council had remained in office the rate to-day would be probably the highest in the Dominion, instead of the lowest. It Avas his opinion that the avoidance of this Avas due largely to the efforts of himself/ and Mr Coldicott. There was, justification, too, for greater Government subsidies. Industry in Ashburton was heavily handicapped by heavy power, charges, and it would be one of his aims to cheapen that poiver for both industrial purposes and the whole of the borough. Mr Hepburn said that lie Avould like to see many of the borough works, already started, completed Avitliout delay. One road shoiild be completed before another was, started. On the motion of Mr W. F. Halliburton, a, vote of confidence in the candidates Avas carried.