The Press FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1933. The Municipal Year

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21050, 29 December 1933, Page 8

The Press FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1933. The Municipal Year

In s statement printed in " The " Press" yesterday the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, reviewed briefly the activities, during the year which is just closing, of the Christchurch City Council and of voluntary organisations for the relief of distress. The record is one on which the Mayor is entitled to dwell with some satisfaction. Never before has the community spirit in Christch,wrch been more severely tested; and never before has it shown to better advantage. Figures published a few days ago showed that more tlian £IO,OOO had been raised in 1933 for charitable purposes by street collections alone; and this can represent only a fraction of the total raised from all sources. Moreover, much, and perhaps the most valuable, of the assistance given to those in economic distress was not given through organisations and is known only to those immediately concerned. The depression has brought much suffering to Christchurch; but there is some consolation in the thought that it has brought all classes in the community closer together in a spirit of understanding and mutual helpfulness. Turning to the City Council, the official focus of municipal activity, the Mayor is again able to point to a record of which citizens can be proud. There is much in the policy and actions of the present City Council with which we and others disagree; but it would be churlish not to acknowledge that it has maintained a high standard of municipal administration. The reconstruction of the Godley plot, the preparation of a town planning scheme, and the lowering of electricity charges to commercial users are achievements which reflect much credit on the council and its permanent officials. There is, however, one point in the Mayor's review which his own colleagues, and indeed all who are interested in municipal politics, would do well to take to heart. The Mayor pointes out, what is too often forgotten, that the powers of the City Council are restricted and closely defined. For the most part its functions are purely administrative; it cannot greatly influence the economic condition of its citizens; and it is not called upon to decide great social issues. It follows, though the Mayor does not carry his logic as far as this, that to a large extent party divisions on the council are artificial and unnecessary. In the work of the committees, of course, party politics play very little part. But in open council and at election times much more is heard of party than is necessary or desirable. It would enhance both the dignity and the efficiency of municipal government in Christchurch if the Mayor's words were given the consideration they deserve.