THE LOCAL BODIES' ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3054, 16 April 1917, Page 4

THE LOCAL BODIES' ELECTIONS

The very Blight interest is being displayed in the comfog local bodies' elections seems, to eupport the view held by many people* that the worry and expense of holding the elections might well have' been avoided under the special circumstances of the times, For the- city of WelUngton,Ntho Mayor, Hit., J, P. Luke, has been re-elected to his old office unbpposed, a course on which the city as well-as Mb. Luke deserves to be congratulated. .The services, rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Luke as Mayor and Mayoress during the war, period' are too widely known and appreciated to call for recapitulation now, and die fact that they have proved willing to undertako the heavy burden- of work and responsibility a further period says : much for their zeal and public spirit. Citizens, however, should not overlook the: fact that the elections- of x city councillors, members of the v Harbour Board, members of the Charitable Aid Board, and also members of the suburban local bodies will be hold this month, and despite'the- more- engrossing interests associated with the war care should be exercised in the choice .of representatives for these vacant offices. Up to the pre* sent the Labour organisation, with its customary energy, has been push-, ing the interests of its candidates, and has had the field ajmost ly to itsolf. It is about time that other candidates bestirred themselves. It will probably be _ found that as usual the electors will bo' content to re-elect the majority ,of the men whose past services are on record, but it is desirable that they should also give ■ attention to the claims 'of some of the other candidates who are capable of rendering useful service- if given the oppor : tunity.' A little new blood is in most cases a desirable thing in our local bodies, provided; as is the case on the present occasion, the right class of candidate is available. '