Two candidates say they do not want votes

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33654, 2 October 1974, Page 18

Two candidates say they do not want votes

Two sitting members of the Mount Herbert County Council are standing for re-election — but neither wants residents to vote for him. They are the chairman (Mr E. R. Radcliffe) and his brother, Mr M. D. A. Radcliffe.

Mr E. R. Radcliffe told an election meeting at Allandale last evening that he had no desire to be returned to the council. Mr M. D. A. Radcliffe said he had the same feeling. About 130 people filled the Allandale Hall to listen to 10 candidates for the four seats in the Port Victoria riding. About 50 extra chairs from the Governor’s Bay Community Centre were needed to seat the crowd. After being a councillor for 20 years, Mr E. R. Radcliffe said, he had become “pretty tired” of the work, and six months ago said he would not offer himself for re-election. But he had decided to stand again because friends had asked him to; because he wanted the county to have a worth-while amalgamation; because, he had a fear of unsuitable candidates getting a free ride to the detriment of the county; and to prevent people from thinking he was frightened of standing.

• “I don’t really want anyr one to vote for me; I have no ; desire to go back on the ■ council,” he said. ► The interest in the election - was remarkable. Voters . would have no trouble find- , ing four councillors, said Mr ' Radcliffe. He urged voters to make sure they voted fot i capable and suitable candi- ' dates. J If by some misfortune he 5 was re-elected, Mr Radcliffe • said, he would pursue amali —1 Z —

- gamation of the county with ) neighbouring authorities. 3 Mr M. D. A. Radcliffe said he and his brother had often i voted in different directions s when decisions were made at - the council table. r Armchair critics and penj pushing environmentalists r should spend their time doing - something useful, such as planting and tending trees, 3 he said. 3 Many candidates referred - to the “cheap publicity”

i which Governor’s Bay had received through newspapers. I They expressed concern about i the over-development which ; could occur without careful t and deliberate planning. Amalgamation of the - Mount Herbert County with s neighbouring authorities was ; supported by most candi- ’ dates. Some said that they ’ were concerned about a lack lof communication between ’ the council and residents.