TO-DAY’S ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 185, 3 May 1933, Page 8

TO-DAY’S ELECTIONS

It is to be hoped that everyone entitled to vote at the local Dody elections to-day will make a point of doing so. Citizens must louse themselves from their apathy and do theii duty as elcctois. Among the sins alleged against democratic government by its critics is that the people do not take an active interest in promoting its efficiency. This is proved in part by the substantial percentage of electors who have failed to record their votes in previous ycais. The people had to fight long and hard and bitterly for the right to vote. Now that they" have it they have to be literally urged to exercise it. Tn some communities they have to be foiccd to go to t.ic ballot-box under threat of penalties if they neglect to do so. A great commotion there would be if through circumstances and events a dictatorship were to arise and deprive the people of the franchise. Yet it is apathy, and the neglect of the. duties of citizenship. that provide those who favour a change of system with reasons and argument. So far as Wellington City is concerned there should belittle difficulty on the part of electors in reaching a choice. In the case of the' City Council and the Harbour Board the record of the retiring members is a good one. ."Ihere are good candidates capable of rendering useful service among the “new blood” offering, but at least a majority of the retiring members should be left on every voter’s ballot-paper. The Hospital Board contest is somewhat different. [here it is evident that a firm majority is required to safeguard the carrying out of the policy designed to ensure the more economic and efficient administration of the Hospital’s affairs. Dr. Campbell Begg, the moving spirit in this task, has associated with him a number of candidates of sound judgment and experience whom the electors will be well advised to support. It is important both from the point of view of cost to the community and service to .those who make use of the Hospital. In the absence of a mayoral contest this year’s elections appear to have failed to excite as much public interest as usual. It would be a great mistake, however, for electors to fail to realise the importance of retaining sound and experienced representatives on the various local bodies. Under the conditions which prevail to-day every elector should regard it as an urgent duty to record his or her vote.