THE RECENT ELECTIONS

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 110, 12 May 1919, Page 11

THE RECENT ELECTIONS

AND THE TOWN-PLANNING ASSOCIATION In conversation with a' reporter of Tlie Post, tho secretary of tho Greater Wellington Town-Planning Association' (Mr. J, li, Arcus) made some interesting' comments on tho success of the association's ticket at ths recent municipal elections. Tho association in compiling its ticket of twelve candidates made a selection of sbc from the old council and six new candi- j dates, tho latter being regarded as being a very fino team of practical men. ■ Every candidate on tho -ticket assured the association of his earnest endeavour to promote the carrying-out of a progressive town-planning policy which would ultimately make this city, an ideal place of habitation. The association did not domand any pledgo of an impossible and irn-practioa-blo nature, but relied on tho sincerity and tho character oE tho men it recommended. Tho association is extremely pleaded with tho support accorded by the citizens, every ono of j its selected councillors being returned, and two of its now men, while two others were within a few votes of succ«js. The four unsuccessful candidates were all in tho leading six of thoso who Tfore not returned. Tho association asked Mr. T, S. Weston to bocomo a candidate for tho Maxoralty, but 'owing to the fact that both Mr. Luke and Mr. Barber were standing, Mr. Weston, with the association's acquiescence, withdrew to avoid the danger of the probable return of a class representative. The association withheld its support from the two candidates, believing that if it actively supported Mr. Barber the result would have meant a victory for the class candidate, and the association could not support Mr. Luke without jettisoning a plank of its platform, that- "no member of Parliament should hold tho Mayoral office." Tho figures, Mr. Areas considered, have clearly shown the wisdom of tho association's attitude, and tho city has thus been saved from sectional control of its civic affairs. The association, however, is not content with winning elections; its objects are on a broader basis. It scqks tho welfare of tho . city right through the intervening months, and is not a little proud of its achievements in arousing a deeper interest in tho betterment of living conditions through the adoption of modern town-planning principles. Several years ago the association started a campaign of education, and under its auspices a number of illustrated i lectures were delivered to suburban audiences. It also got into communication other societies throughout tho Dominion, and as a result tho Now Zealand Federated Town-Planning Association was formed. The local association also arranged for tho visit of Mr. Hurst Scagcr to tho Brisbane Town-Planning Conference—the Government contributing part of the cost; and next week Wellington is to be the- centre of a new conference and exhibition, which it is hoped will create much intcres.t and enthusiasm on the subject, i Tno Greater Wellington Association has affiliated to it a numbor of tho Suburban Electors' Associations, in addition to a very large individual membership. There is. a fully representative executive and sub-committee to examine and_ report on civic finance, municipal legislation, protection of Town Belt, prevention of the creation of slums by jerry-builders, beautifioation of parks and playgrounds, and a general watch is kept on tho work of the City Council, to sco that nothing inimical to tho city's wslfaic is allowed to pass without criticism.