GREATER CHRISTCHURCH ELEC TION.

Press, Issue 11564, 22 April 1903, Page 7

GREATER CHRISTCHURCH ELEC TION.

The nominations for the Greater Christchurch elections having dosed the complete list of candidates is published in our columns to-day. The city is to be congratulated on tho fact that Mr H. F. Wigrum has been elected unopposed as ilayor. It would be insincere on our part were wo to pretend that the list of candidates for the positions of Councillors is as representative as we should like to see it. Still, a fair Council may be selected if tbe ratepayers will make v point of electing those best qualified foir the position. We cannot do better than repeat in effect tho Advice which we gave in connection with the election of the Tramway Board. The jratepayers should not allow themselves to bo swayed by any feelings of personal friendship, nor should they allow the election to go off in a perfunctory sort of way, as if eleoting a Council for Greater Christchurch were a mere formality with few practical consejfuences to be considered. On the contrary, it is highly probable that schemes involving the expenditure of many thousands of pounds will come before the Council at no distant date. 2hat body will certainly have it in their power either to make or mar the city to a Tery large extent dtrring the next few years. If the citizens are wise, therefore, they will take cane to select the most prudent and level-heiuled business men among the candidateit, remembering the large powero to be entrusted to the new Council. We repeat our old simile. The citizens should consider themselves shareholders in a very large and valuable concern. Being vitally interested in its good management, tbey should choose the men likely to moke the best directors of such as important undertaking. If it is well managed they will reap the benefit; if It la badly managed they will certainly hive to bear the loss.