GREATER WELLINGTON 'TICKET'

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 98, 28 April 1919, Page 4

GREATER WELLINGTON 'TICKET'

Meetings under the auspices of the Greater Wellington Town Planning and Municipal Electors' Association were held on Saturday night at Hataitai and Roseneath. The speakers were Messrs. H. D. Bennett. J. M. Dale, T. Forsyth, AY. J. Gaudin, F. W. Manton, F. Meadowcroft, A. E. Lambert, and R. A. Wright. Mr. Wright urged all electors to vote the full ticket. As regards the administi-ation of the Harbour Board, he pointed out the necessity for economy. If waste and extravagance held sway, then the electors would have to foot the bill, for it would mean increased dues on merchandise. Indirectly, any such increase would be paid by the people, because the merchants could be , looked to to pass it on. On city matters, he urged the. abolition of slums, which could not be achieved until more houses were erected. It was for the council and the Harbour Board to erect-several hundred houses in order to, accommodate,their employees.

Mr. Lambert, a candidate for a seat on the Hospital Board, expressed tho opinion that the upkeep of hospitals should be a charge on-the Consolidated Funds. Produce from Government farms should be sent to hospitals. The Hospital Boards should take a keener interest in town-planning. Mr. Manton said there was no reason why Wellington should not be the model city of New Zealand. He spoke in favour of better housing and the hydro-elec-tric scheme.

Better access to Karori, Onslow, and Hataitai, and an extension of the system of universal concessions on the trams were urged by Mr. Dale.

Mr. Bennett spoke of the need of rest places for women, and of a vigorous housing policy to precede the abolition of slums.

Mr. Meadowcroft stated that his only object in coming forward was to assist to the best of his ability in the progress of the city on the best lines of municipal administration. Much had been done by past councils, but;much remained to be done to secure, tho'..greatest measure of convenience, comfort, and happiness for the citizens.

Mr. Gaudin refer :d to the financial position, and urged electors to be careful in the selection of candidates. Owing to the increased' obligations placed on the Dominion, eceonomy would be essential, and the city must get good value for, all money spent. It was false economy to stint money for education or for such schemes as the development of hydroelectric power. While not advocating the warcl system, he considered that the requirements of the suburbs should be brought more directly under 'notice of the council. Something should be done immediately to improve roads. A tunnel through Mount- Victoria was an urgent necessity owing; to the fixing of the grade of Constable-street by the erection of the Fire Station. Recreation grounds for Roseneath and Hataitai would be necessary as settlement proceeded. He would support garden settlements in the suburbs, with improved tram service, and universal tram fare, if such system was financially sound.

A meeting of the committee set up by the sports bodies was* held on Thursday evening to receive the answers to questions submitted to candidates at the election for Mayor and City Councillors. The replies on the whole were favourable from practically all the candidates. Each one evinced a desire to promote legitimate sport, and to make ample provision for recreation grounds. In view of these circumstances, the meeting decided torecommend for cupport six of the present councillors, who, from the experience of the committee, i have shown themselves in the past active and eolid supporters of the sports, bodies' interests.