MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 71, 24 March 1919, Page 7

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

A TRIAL OF STRENGTH.

i (From Our Special Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Wellington municipal elections promise to be of more interest and significance than usual this year. The appearance of Mr. Woston. the president of the Employers' Association, as a candidate for the Mayoralty, is regarded by organised Labour as a challenge to a" trial of strength in the smaller field of politics. and it is highly probable the gauntlet will be taken up. The unions already have put forward a ''ticket" for the City Council, and would have no difficulty in persuading one of its champions to undertake the more ambitious enterprise. Their difficulty, indeed, would be to make a choice from eager aspirants for the chief magistracy.

It is understood the business men of the city are taking an unusual interest in the municipal elections this year, because they fear in the near future a variety of troubles with Labour. They do not admit as much as this, but they confess to being gravely concerned by the restless attitude of many of the workers. The "go slow" policy, they say, is almost universal along the waterfront in a greater or less degree, the men are showing less and less respect for agreements, and are seizing upon every possible excuse for demanding more pay. Just how the nominee of the Employers' Association is going to deal with these matters when elected Mayor is not disclosed.