MAYORAL CONTEST

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 11711, 4 May 1935, Page 3

MAYORAL CONTEST

Mr Wilkinson’s Final Address to Electors WELL ATTENDED MEETING IN TOWN HALL. Mr L. R. Wilkinson, who is contesting the Mayoralty, addressed a well attended meeting in the town hall last night. The Deputy-Mayor, Mr A, E. Newsham, presided and briefly introduced the candidate. Mr Wilkinson said he was offering his services as Mayor of the town in response to requests from almost every section of the community. He felt that Tauranga had now reached a stage when a progressive policy must be pursued. He acknowledged the good work done by previous mayors and councillors, and in'offering his services he did so with the feeling that in that wider sphere he could render further service to the town and citizens. His experience of local body administration extended over ten years from 1924 to 1934. Mr Wilkinson then detailed his work and experience in the service of the Borough Council. That service, he claimed, had given him such experience as justified him aspiring to the position of Mayor, as twenty years as a councillor would not give him the same experience as that gained in the employ of the Council. His candidature, said Mr Wilkinson, had met with the criticism that his health would interfere with the discharge of the duties of Mayor. He admitted that his health was not as robust as he would wish it. It had to be remembered, however, that it had been impaired In the service of the country, but notwithstanding he was confident that he would be able to meet all demands that the office of Mayor would make upon him, so far as his health was concerned.

Policy Proposals.

The speaker then outlined his policy proposals as follows:

Substantial reductions in charges for electricity lighting, hot water servies, community lights.

Improvements to streets and footpaths in residential area. Cycle tracks along Cameron Road necessary for safety of school hildren. Reticiulation of town with new water mains. Work to be put in hand immediately. Complete and up-to-date system of street lighting in keeping with the progress and reputation of the town. Developing the natural attractions of Tauranga, with special attention to tourist requirements. Encouragement to all sports bodies and societies working for the advancement of the youth of Tauranga. More bathing sheds arid conveniences on beaches. Extension of sewerage system on completion of water scheme. Drastic improvements in rubbish collection and disposal. Immediate attention to rubbish tip.

He then dealt at length with his proposals to reduce electricity charges, and the position of the electricity accounts generally. He claimed that the profits of the Electricity Department should go back to the consumers, and should not be spent in erecting buildings and in other directions.

He was opposed to the policy of the Council in connection with the new water scheme, and claimed that the pipes in the present main should not be lifted and relald in the borough, as the cost of doing that would be as great as laying new pipes entirely. He favoured allowing the present pipes to remain, and the Installation of an entirely new scheme. Turning to reading, Mr Wilkinson said the present bitumen roads needed attention, and a policy of ploughing and levelling the sides of the roads should be adopted, especially in the outer areas. He was entirely opposed to any idea of marine drives, which would Interfere with access to the beaches. A cycle track on Cameron Road was a vital necessity. 'Although he wpuld advocate an extensive scheme of beautifying he did not quite see where the funds would come from. More encouragement should be given to the band, and be though the Redoubt a desirable place for a band rotunda. The Council should take over the band, and make it entirely a municipal one. Tourist traffic to Tauranga was likely to develop, and if the Council would establish a bureau, to be run by the Council Staff, It would be better than asking the Government to establish a bureau here. ’ In conclusion Mr Wilkinson said that he relied on what the people knew of his services to the borough and of his policy to say whether they considered him a fit and proper person to represent them as Mayor. In reply to questions Mr Wilkinson said he favoured a weekly or fortnightly rubbish collection' in the business area. He strongly favoured approaching the Railway Department with a view to utilising the harbour railway bridge as a traffic bridge. A question as to whether he favoured the free wiring of ranges by the Council gave Mr Wilkinson the opportunity to dilate on his favourite topic. He strongly criticised the Council’s policy in this respect, and quoted the endorsement of the Controller and Auditor-General on the Borough balance sheet that such a policy was without the authority of law. Candidates’ Remarks. Cr. V. J. Scantlebury said that one of the first things the new 1 Council should undertake was a proper town planning scheme. A revaluation of the borough was sadly overdue, as there had been no revaluation for twelve years. He also outlines his proposal for the formation of Cameron Road. , Cr. J. M. Daines said that after a service of ten years on the Council he was again offering his services, and if elected would, as hitherto, do his utmost to impartially. : serve all sections of the community. Mr Somers said he stood for efficient administration and if elected would do his best for everyone in the borugh. Had he any confidence in the old council he would not be a candidate.

Mr Every said his particular purpose in standing for the Council was to make Tauranga still more popular and so induce others from abroad to settle here. We had the amenities and the climate for making the place one of the finest in New Zealand.

Mr Gallagher pledged himself, if returned as a councillor, to do his best to further the progress of Tauranga, and to render whatever useful service he could to the borough. Mr Policy said he offered his services earnestly and with confidence. If elected he felt that he could be a useful unit on the Council. Twentyseven years’ experience as a building contractor, and the knowldge of life gained in sixteen countries should prove useful on the council. A vote of thanks to Mr Wilkinson for his address, proposed by Mr Scantlebury and seconded by Mr Spratley, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman, concluded the meeting.