MAYOR CRITICIZED BY MR. McKEEN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 189, 8 May 1941, Page 6

MAYOR CRITICIZED BY MR. McKEEN

Drifting Policy Alleged

SLUM CLEARANCE AND HOUSING

“1 am glad .to see that some of the Citizens’ candidates disagree with the mayor and are'in full agreement with me on two major proposals that I have put forward,” said Mr. McKeen, M.P., Labour candidate for the Wellington mayoralty, speaking at Ngaio last night. “I refer to the proposals for slum clearance and a comprehensive housing scheme, and also my tepid baths scheme. “If these, candidates are sincere in their support of these proposals—and I do not doubt their sincerity—then their only logical course is to support my candidature. I can assure them that if I am elected mayor I will not hesitate to give full effect to these proposals. “Mr. Hislop may use the excuse of there being a war to his heart’s content,” said Mr. McKeen, “but he cannot explain away his policy of drift in regard to these pressing problems of slum clearance and proper housing.

“People will not readily forget the promise made by Mr. Hislop at a previous election to corporation em : ployees, that if he was again re-elected there would be no dismissals. The fact is that immediately Mr. Hislop was elected, further dismissals of corporation employees were carried out. Some of the employees concerned had been working for the corporation for many years.” Mr. McKsen described Mr.. Hislop as “the man with just one more job to finish.” He referred to the discussion that took place between Mr. Hislop and Mr. Luckie, the deputymayor, about the nomination for the mayoralty; ‘ Mr. Hislop’s action in clinging as he did to the mayoralty was a shabby one,” said Mr. McKeen. “particularly in view of the fact that his colleague, Mr. Luckie, besides doing things personally on behalf of the mayor on many occasions, had served this city for 20 years. Mr. Luckie, in fact, had prior right to seek the high honour of mayor Mr. Hislop appears to regard the office of mayor as a permanent post for himself. I am convinced from the goodwill that has been shown, me during this election that citizens will show their disfavour of Mr. Hislop on this issue alone.”

Municipal Housing. “If a Labour council is returned on May 17 it will build houses for the people, not talk about them,” said Mr. J. H. Collins, candidate for the city council, speaking at Ngaio. “The council .will own them; it will collect the rents. Furthermore Labour candidates will not say that you have to find 11 per cent of the total amount required before you can have a house. Labour will build rental houses and take advantage of the Government’s offer of eheap money. The promises made by the Labour candidates will be kept.” The present council, said Mr. Collins,, had built only about 50 houses during its term of office.

PETONE ELECTIONS

Citizens’ Committee

“Much difference of opinion has recently been expressed ou the advisability of holding the local body elections in wartime,” said the organizer and secretary of the Petone Citizens’ Election Committee, Mr. F. K. London, in a statement yesterday. “The Government having decided to hold the election, the Petone Citizens’ Election Committee has no desire to enter into this controversy, but wishes to point out that the publicity given to these expressions of opinion has greatly increased the apathy of electors to municipal matters. “The committee is of opinion that the efficient and economic administration of local body affairs during these difficult times is of paramount importance to our own war effort.

“Having ©elected as candidates to contest; every loeal body office gentlemen of the highest integrity and of proven administrative ability, we call upon all our supporters and nil those citizens who have the welfare of Petone at heart to exercise their privilege by voting. Electors will have no excuse for neglecting to vote, as every facility has been made for the recording of votes, with the minimum of inconvenience to the voter. A vote is now a very great privilege, shared by very few people outside our Empire,”

TONIGHT’S MEETINGS

Several meetings have been arranged for tonight, when Citizens’ and Labour candidates in the Wellington municipal elections will continue their campaigns. Names of speakers and their speaking places are given in advertisements in this issue.