THE ELECTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1109, 24 April 1911, Page 6

THE ELECTIONS.

■ LOWER HUTT MAYORALTY. 'ADDRESS BY MK. BALDWIN. ' : On Saturday evening, in the schoolroom at Alicetown, Mr. H. Baldwin, who is contesting tho Hutt Mayoralty, addressed a, largo number of electors. Mr. Macaskill, who occupied the chair, said that Mr. Baldwin's name was n household word amongst local residents, Ho had been a member of the Borough Council for six years, and had always proved himself to be an honest and capable worker for tho wholo interests ofthe borough. ■ Mr. Baldwin commenced by stating that it had come to his knowledge that in contesting the election he was challenging Mr. Bunny, his opponent. This was not quite tho case. He- had offered himself for Mayoral honours because at the last election a representative deputation had asked him to do so. Ho had had to. refuse, however, for various reasons, but now the position was altered, and ho had sufficient confidence in the electors to come forward. Continuing, Mr. Baldwin said that ho could not quitosec where Mr. Bunny got his figures from in reference to the council's finances. Ho (tho speaker) could not find them, and ho had searched diligently Mr. Bunny had omitted to mention that there were certain works,, on the council's hands that had not boon carried out. Why was this so? Coining to the library finances, the speaker said that it did not matter whether thero was a debit or credit balance on tho working of the library at tho end of each year, as the council alwaj's . made up any deficiency. It was just a question of how much should be made up. The library was not self-supporting. At the present time an outsider was employed in choosing tho new books for tho library. This was not right. Moreover, some attractions should be devised for the purpose of inducing the public to patron,ise the library better than was the case 'at present. Mr. Baldwin then dealt in detail v;ith the estimates with a view to showing how the money accruing from the rates -was spent- Continuing, ho said that Jie was strongly in favour o£ a town hall, and, if successful, would do all in his power in furtherance of the scheme before the present lease expired. Touching on'the "assistance" drainage idea for ratepayers, Mr. Baldw in said that he claimed to be the, originator of it, and ho had been prompted to bring it forward to benefit the working man. When ho moved the motion regarding it, councillors had expressed surprise, stating that they thought that everybody in the Hutt was wealthy. (Laughter.) As to general administration, there was not enough committee work done by-tho present council, and councillors were sometimes at a loss to know how to deal with certain matters owing to this fact. Another needed improvement was an efficient equipment for the local fire , brigade, so as to enable the brigade to cope wjth fires occurring in remote places.- At present the men had to drag a 15-cwt. hose and ladder cart behind.them, and, it the fire happened to be a mile or two away, how could they expect tho brigade to be fit and efficient when they arrived on the scene? He was in favour of a motor engine, or eoiub better form of traction. The maintenance of the roads, would be more easily dealt with if a plough were purchased, antl surfaces first ploughed and levelled. If elected he could not promise that the rates would bo reduced, not even if it.cost him his seat. Dealing with tramways, Mr. Baldwin said that he was still in favour of the original proposal—that of laying eleven miles of track. Uiifortunately he was not present at the board's last meeting, or he would have opposed a certain proposal, recently made. .It would be just , as well to 'hayo ' another- poll—it would not cost the ratepayers any more. The speaker concluded by stating that he would address the electors at St. James's Hall on Tuesday evening, when he proposed to deal.more fully with financial affairs. . : >~,,',,"',,, ■A, number ,of questions ..were then answered.,'.". ,'■' ■;.. Vi'/'*.". , /

MR. i. FULLER, JUN. At Turnbull's auction rooms on Saturday evening, Mr. J. Fuller, junior's, combined committees, both suburban and city, held a meeting to deaUwith matters relating to the City'C'omicij'iolection. The attendance, including' a.' gooft proportion of ladies, was about sixty. Mr. Fuller thanked all present ' for their genefilus work on his behalf; and concluded by saying that he attributed the success of his meetings.to the fact that, all through the campaign, ho'had expounded practical and businesslike views, for the electors of to-day were ■ too ■ intelligent to be moved by catclv-yote,. promises and idealistic, municipal theories. ; LABOUR CANDIDATES. Members of the Labour "ticket," which is to contest the municipal elections on Wednesday, announce that they will meet the electors this evening in the New' Century Hall, Kent Terrace. The Labour candidates are Messrs. D. M'Laren, M.P., A. H. Hiudmarsh, E. J. Carey, M. J. Reardon, G. F. Reyling, W. i. Jordan, Ivor Hazell, Thomas Smith, and W. T. Young. The leading speakers will address the meeting on "the present state of the city's trade, the large, number of houses to let, and the apparent decrease in population.".. All. vital questions for the citizens to face as affecting city values, .■ rates, • and rent .•■ will be touched upon. The candidates ask that they may be judged on a hearing, and not merely on rumour. The meeting opens sharp at S p.m., and ladies aro specially invited to attend. The Labour candidates were active on Saturday evening, addressing three meetings. Messrs. G. F. Reyliug and Thomas Smith spoke at tho cornet , of Pipitea Street, Thorndon, Messrs. Ivor Hazell and W. T. Young at the top of Tory Street, and Messrs. D. M'Lareu, M.P., and E. J. Cnrey nt the end of Courtenay Place. At all places the candidates received a good hearing. At Courtenay Place the audience was a largo and very attentive one. Mr. M'Laren pointed out that the surplus of .£SOOO on working account, which tho Mayor had' indicated, was simply JSOOO that might well have been spent on street and other works required at the present time. Other candidates stated that the Labour party's platform was being generally endorsed, which showed that the Labour candidates were moving on right linos, and deserved support.

In 'another column in this issue Mr. G. Shirtcliffe, a well-known member of the present City Council, invites electors to support his candidature at the municipal election for Wednesday next. Mr. Shirtclifte advocates the reorganisation of the tramway traffic system and the establishment of a municipal milk depot. Mr. Joseph Mamie], -an independent candidate lor the City Council, inserts an advertisement of interest 'to electors in this issue. In an advertisement in this issue Mr. Lcn. M'Kenzie notifies electors of his candidature for tho City Council election. In connection with the Wellington Harbour Board election, Mr. W. T. Hildrcth inserts an advertisement of interest to electors. Mr. Henry Bodley, in an advertisement in this issue, gives particulars regarding his candidature for a seat on the City Council. Mr. John Brodie will address electors of Miramar at tho Kiosk, Worsor Bay, thisevening, and at tho Ten Booms, Seatoun tram terminus, on Tuesday evening. ■■