Candidates’ messages

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33649, 26 September 1974, Page 13

Candidates ’ messages

as a newcomei io ivvai politics, I hope that if I am elected I will be able to bring some new ideas to the problems associated with what is a vital service. It is essential that the board works towards a more economic and convenient service. Consideration must be given to' the board’s property in* Moorhouse Avenue, which in! view of the proposed park' and ride scheme could be utilised to bring in more income. Consideration to the: introduction of an inner city shoppers’ service during oft peak hours and the installation of shelters at bus. termini and suburban stops are two other aims for which I would work.

I feel that a family background in Lyttelton of five: generations, has helped me 1 to understand many problems to be faced in the borough and I would like the opportunity of helping with them. As a young married man with four sons, I want to ensure that Lyttelton conItinues to be a good place to live in. It has good potential for further development and I feel that my farming experience would be of assistance in coping with many of the practical problems. I am particularly interested in the further upgrading of the reserves and recreational areas as well as the subdivision of land for housing.

I offer my services as an experienced businessman. J am pledged to getting a fairer deal for Sockburn residents who pay much more ■for their electricity than [Christchurch residents, and other city residents throughout New Zealand. The farmer dominated Central Canterbury Electric Power Board needs the addition of a qualified businessman who can fully understand and debate the complicated allocation and acounting systems. As a .company executive for 25 ( years and general manager of I a successful Sockbum business trading as merchants, (manufacturers and exporters, I feel I can supply this need.

I am a technician, aged 48, married with two children, and have lived most of my married life in Christchurch. I feel that with the everincreasing cost of major 'works it is essential to coordinate all the necessary work instead of having the repetition still seen from time to time in our city. The Labour policy on drainage work is aimed at giving the citizens and ratepayers the. best value for their money! and Labour will work to j overcome the drainage prob-( lems that were brought toj the notice of so many resi-| ■ dents during the winter. i

As- a home science graduate and an active member of several organisations in the city, I feel that I am well qualified to serve the people: of Canterbury if I am elected to the board. It is important that there should be no delay ( in the planned development: of the city hospital, particularly in the building of the 'new kitchen complex which will serve the whole hospital. With my home science background. I feel I will have a particular contribution to play in this area. I am concerned with the welfare of the aged, and welcome the , plan to build a new women’s hospital at the central site, and to turn the present one into a hospital for the aged and sick. If I am elected, my concern at all times will be with the welfare of people—those who are patients in our hospitals and those who 'serve them.

If I am elected I will renew my efforts for the elderly and the young. As chairman of the Canterbury Aged Peoples' j Welfare Council, I am pleased' that the Citizens' candidates: have pledged themselves to provide greater help for our senior citizens. Collingwood House at New Brighton has proved an outstanding success. There is an urgent need for more suburban centres like Collingwood House [ where the elderly can meet friends. A Citizens’ Council 'will help the Aged Peoples’ ■Welfare Council with finance Ito establish more of these centres. Also, to encourage senior citizens to get out of their homes and go to these centres a Citizens’ Council will subsidise light lunches when they are able to be offered at these centres. J iconcede that the Labour council has made an effort to build more pensioner cottages but it should not claim all the credit. Many of these ■were planned and developed by the previous Citizens’ council, which acquired subistantial areas of land for this purpose.

My most important reason for contesting this election is the unsatisfactory means local bodies have to obtain the finance to maintain their districts. Throughout the country rates double every nine years. A council may hold its rates for a period, but eventually they must increase. All councils are finding it increasingly difficult to get their loans subscribed. On being elected I will continue working towards securing Government loans at low interest rates for essential works and services. This will have the effect of reducing rates because the debt-servicing cost will be reduced. I support amalgamation only if increased efficiency and economy can be proved, and then only if a poll of all electors is held.

Trusts contribute towards the social environment of the community, so ■it is essential when one has to look at the social aspects and their impact on people as such that all their needs are fully discussed and met. It is also essential that the trust retains popularity and identity with the people, providing good facilities, and is used to capacity, thus ensuring profitability. My experience as treasurer of the Canterbury section of the Public Service Association, secretary of the Hornby Residents’ Association, secretary of the Hornby festival gala and my long interest in community affairs give me the background to be able to deal with and appreciate the type of matters that must be decided upon from time to time by the trust.

If the port of Lyttelton is not developed in a way which will attract new shipping trades, trade could be diverted elsewhere to the detriment of Canterbury, it is vital that decisions on port development should be made by people who have a thorough knowledge of trends in the shipping industry. Few industries are undergoing such revolutionary changes as transport. The board is aware of the need to attract container traffic, and I will support every effort in this direction. 1 also believe that it should be planning to cater for multi-purpose, unitload and roll on/roll off vessels, because development in these areas has been just as significant recently as the trend to containerisation. I am 46 and manager of the Blue Star Port Lines (Management), Ltd, and am active in many organisations associated with the shipping 'industry.

As a young married man with an infant daughter, I am naturally interested in the future of the area in which I live. After having spent a number of years working as a builder in and around Lyttelton I have been happy to take up permanent residence as Cass Bay. I would like to have the opportunity of serving the electors in Lyttelton, and feel that my practical background could be of assistance. I am keen to ensure that there should be proper development in subdivisions and that the recreational facilities are expanded to cater for all areas in the borough. Other matters of concern to me are the proper provision of transport and educational amenities.

1 live in Purau Terrace and feel that my business dealings as a registered master building contractor over the last decade with local bodies, clubs, companies and private ratepayers have given me the necessary experience to represent Cashmere. They also keep me in close contact with general day-today affairs and feelings. Unless one is on the council he does not know all the facts, so I intend to be cautious in my promises but one thing I will fight for lis to retain the identity of Cashmere;- and before any , final decision is made on I amalgamation I will strive to have all the facts presented ito ratepayers so they can make the final decision on what is best for Cashmere. ’ We must be on guard to see (that our rates are used for ; services and improvements of Cashmere, and not become just a source of income for other areas.

When I was approached to stand as a candidate for the board I accepted because I saw an opportunity to make some contribution to the city j with which I have been associated all my life. My ( interests and qualifications j and my experience on various committees would, I believe, help me to be a useful member of the board. As one of ( the many candidates nominated by the Citizens’ Associ-: ation who are not members. of any political group and as i I am not involved in the business world, I do not feel obliged to follow the dictates (of any organisation—political or commercial. While I agree with the broad policy; (for the Drainage Board pubdished by the Citizens’ Association. the only promise I make is that, if elected, I will work in what I believe to be the best interests of all the citizens, of Christ-: church.

I have represented the : Templeton riding for the last ■ nine years. During my term (there have been many [improvements to the riding, including more than 10 [ miles of new sealed roads, a I high-pressure water system, [township roads sealed and kerb and channels provided, (a new pavilion at the domain, [council finance assistance (to the swimming pool, piping of Kirk Road water race, and ! the provision of a sewerage ' system, upon which work will commence in the next ‘ few weeks. If re-elected, I will continue to make myself available to residents at all times and continue to ensure that the people receive the fullest benefits from their rates, which should remain at the lowest possible level. As a ratepayer and resident of the riding, I feel I am better qualified to represent you and ask for your support.