Civic Elections

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 9

Civic Elections

Sir.—lt is to be hoped that the candidates for the local bodies will put forward some better electioneering .material than that which ono read in this morning's paper. It is quite apparent they have no definite policy for the future, but they dwell upou what they did. in the past and some of it refers to the ancient past at that. Even the Mayor could only point to some plan, under consideration at present, for the development of the Rongotai aerodrome. I understood candidates for local bodies were elected to carry out a definite schedule of work—not merely maintenance work, because Wellington has not ceased to grow in size yet. So far not one candidate has any decided views on how to advance Wellington. True we are to have a poll on tepid baths, a most necessary public work for the rising generation, and a new central library which is equally necessary. Our transport system is not perfect because Melrose has never had proper treatment, and the western suburban traffic should come through Norway Street into the city. The water supply has never been satisfactorily dealt with in spite of the fact that when thev want a new loan the ratepayers are always told the same old tale that the new loan will remove all worry over a shortage of water for another five years, but every summer we have the usual official warning of no water in the reservoirs for hosing purposes. Then there is the question of the ramn, bridge on the Hutt Road for the railway near the floating dock. Nobody has discussed this. The future of the Karon cemetery is left alone. True the beaches have been mentioned, but little has been done except some talk of the expense ot tlieir upkeep. Mr. Forsyth talked about Wellington having 250 miles of road and of the miles of kerbing and tar-sealing done, yet one sees many street works started and never completed. Even he is not reported on what policy he will follow or hopes to see carried out during the next term, if he is elected. The number who attended the Town Hall including the candidates only numbered 120 souls, so the candidates must realise that their success at the polls will depend upon the reporting done by the newspapers, and the Citizens’ Committee must see that their candidates are better reported upon. Of course if they have no progressive policy of what they intend to carry out. if elected, the reporters cannot give them one. —I am. etc., DISAPPOINTED ELECTOR. Wellington, April 10.