MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 181, 30 July 1912, Page 9

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

TERM OF OETICE. DISCUSSED BY CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph.— Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. Of the matters in which, delegates to the Conference of the Municipal Association to-day were obviously most interested and on which they spoke freely, were questions relating to the tenure of office by -Mayors, and the method of choosing occupants of Mayoral officer. It was resolved: "That if the present mode of electing the Mayor is continued, his term of office shall be extended to two years, so as to come into line with that" of councillors." Mr. Bunny said that 12 months was too short" a period for a Mayor to hold office. His term should be the same as that of councillors. The remit was supported by Mr. Osborn (Pahiatua) and Hon. J. Barr (Sumner). Mr. Scandrett (Invercargili). Mr. Davis (Ashburton), Mr- 11. Lowe (Thames), Mr. G. Armstrong (Akaroa), and Mr. J. Miller (Lyttelton) thought that the electors should be given an opportunity of reviewing their Mayors' qualifications at the end of the year. The remit was rejected by 25 to 23. Mr. J. A. Coradine (Masterton) moved: "That councils should, elect a Mayor from their own number." Mr. Coradine said that a good deal of friction was engendered by the present system. In Victoria and other places the suggested course was in operation. If councillor- chose their own Mayor, it would lead to better working conditions and less opposition. Mr- J. McCurdy seconded the remit, which was opposed by several members, and ultimately rejected. Mr.'H. J. Oby (Christehurch) moved: "That the Municipal Corporations Act be amended, with a view to extending the period for which a councillor 18 elected to three years, and that all other borough councils be asked to assist in the matter." This was seconded by Mr. H. Holland (Mayor of Christchurch). The chairman thought the suggestion was going back to the old road board system, and he was not in favour of it. Mr. R. Fletcher (Wellington) supported the motionThe remit was lost by a suDst_-lt__-majoritv. Mr. T. A. Field (Nelson) moved: "That the Municipal Corporations Act be amended fio as to provide that the period for which councillors are elected .shall be three years, and that they retire by rotation in the proportion of onethird of the number of members." The remit was rejected on the voices. Mr. H. N. McLeod (Miramar) then moved- "That the term of councillors be two years, and that one-half retire annually/ but the remit lapsed for want of a seconder. Notice of the following remit for tbe supplemental business of the conference has been given by Councillor Fletcher: "That the method of election to the office of Mayor be conducted as at present, on the municipal franchise, but that the selection of candidates be restricted to those who have served in the capacity of Mayor or councillor. This shall not apply to new boroughs.'