The Press FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1961. Tomorrow’s Elections

Press, Volume C, Issue 29637, 6 October 1961, Page 12

The Press FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1961. Tomorrow’s Elections

The lack of public interest in the Christchurch Drainage Board and Christchurch Transport Board elections tomorrow —indeed, the ap parent lack of interest of some candidates—suggest* a light poll, a deplorable prospect at a time when the need to revive local government has been recognised. This state of affairs partly reflects the lack of serious issues in the Christchurch elections. Now tha. the new bus system has proved its efficiency, the strong Labour opposition to the change has turned to approval, and the Transport Board’s loss has become almost stabilised. In such circumstances it would not be easy to whip up enthusiasm either for or against the administration of the last three years. As for the Drainage Board, its progress in the last few years has been so impressive that satisfaction with its work is general, except possibly in those outlying districts that are still waiting for sewers and improved land drainage; and any change in membership is not likely to help them. The intrusion of party politics into local government has accentuated the lack >f issues. At one time electors were genuinely interested in the personal merits of candidates. In later years they have become so accustomed to a party clash that in the absence of one •many feel lost. Electors should realise that the absence of party strife is an opportunity to exercise

personal judgment of the qualities of candidates.

Electors should exercise their voting privileges -o choose persons who by reputation, experience ability, and interest in local affairs are qualified for election. If sufficient votes are cast in this way candidates fit for office will be encouraged to come forward. The lack of public interest also reflects the natural feeling of citizens that transport and drainage operations in Christchurch do not call for separate special-purpose authorities. Both functions are certainly important; but they are so strictly limited that their detailed supervision is a matter for technical ex perts. The boards must continue to exist, however, while they serve the districts of several territorial authorities. The Labour Party policy of handing over control to the City Council is impracticable, because the city could not levy rates on property outside its own boundaries. Possibly the best interim solution, pending a thorough reorganisation of Christchurch local government would be to adopt the suggestion of the Deputy Mayor (Cr. H. P. Smith) that the boards should be nominated by local authorities and not elected by citizens. That would save the considerable cost of the elections. More important, it would provide for a much greater degree of co-opera-tion than now exists.