THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 48, 26 August 1881, Page 3

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

MB. A. W. BROWN' 3 ADDRESB IN COOK WAED. Abont 100 persons assembled at the Ade-laide-road Music Hall, last night, for the purpose of hearing an exposition of his views on mnnioipal matters from Mr. Arthur "W. Brown, a candidate for the representation of Cook Ward in the City Council. Mr. A. Wilson presided. Mr. Brown explained that ho had decided to come forward as a candidate in response to tho solicitations of his friends, who seemed to think he possessed fair abili* ties to look after the interests of Cook Ward, and whose good opinion he greatly valued. Moreover, it had been felt that a change was now desirable. (Cheers.) He pointed out that Cook Ward comprised half the acreage of the city, and, on that account, claimed for the ward a very much larger bhare of expenditure and the attention of tho City Council than the other wards. If elected, he would at least take care these olaimawereadvocated. (Hear, hear.) TheTe Aro reclamation scheme he strongly supported for many reasons. (Applause ) It would be a highly reproductive work, it would add to to the rateablo property in the city, and prove the means of giving Wellington an impetus in the direction of sound camnr- arcial prosperity. He believed, too, the scheme could be accomplished without any addition to the present rates ; the banks would be willing to advance money on security of Buch a description. Bespecting the proposed graving dock, there could not bo two different opinions. The Empire Ciiy ought not to be without a dock, and he heartily supported the proposal, especially aB, if built at all, it would have to be built by the Harbour Board, which body had no power to impose rates on the citizens— it was tho shipping that would have to be rated if necessary. (Applause.) He considered the insurance companies had treated the City Council very shabbily in refusing to contribute to theoost of maintaining the Fire Brigade. Ho referred to the successful working of the Government Life Insurance Office, and suggested that the Government should take up tho fire insurance question as well. Failing the action of tho Government in this direction, he commended the suggestion to the attention of the Council. The building regulations he characterised as iniquitous, and a diract interference with the liberties of the citizens. (Applause) If sent to the Conacil, he wonld strenuously oppose them. (Renewed applause ) With regard to the Ci'y Engineer's dopartment, there was evidence of gross mismanagement; and little short of utter incapacity in that department. He referred to the Kent -terrace drain, o ncerning which he predicted a good deal of trouble. Then there was that concrete wall in Bidwell-street which was stayed by perishable timber — another piece of evidence of in':ompetency. The City Solicitor, too, h'd a very nice billet of it. Last year as much as £ 1583 waß paid by the Council in lawyers' expenses— far too much. (Hear, hoar ) Ho next referred to the tramway, Baying that when the tramway waß started three years ago an arrangement was made whereby ten per cent, of the company's profits shonld be annually paid to the City Council. He had endeavoured to ascertain whother this percentage had been paid to the Council as arranged, but had failed to learn that such was the case. In conclusion, ho promised that if elected on this occasion, he would not voluntarily seek re-election at the expiration of his term of office, being opposed to the principle of retaining the same councillor term after term. (Loud applause ) The Chairman here invited the ratepayers to interrogate the candidate if they wished to do so. The only question asked was one relative to the alleged nuisance created by the tram-motors in " letting-off " steam in the principal thoroughfares. Mr. Brown, in reply, said ho believed the practice alluded to was contrary to tho law, and ought certainly to be abolished. Mr. Cook then proposed a vete of confidence in Mr. Brown as a representative of of Cook Ward. Mr C. M'lntyrb seconded the resolution, which was carried with only two dissenting voices. The proceedings then terminated.