ELECTORS' VERDICT

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 106, 7 May 1931, Page 13

ELECTORS' VERDICT

LEAGUE STATEMENT

The secretary of the Civic League, Mr. If. R. Searle, writes as follows:—

The verdict of the electors in yestor-: day's poll is indeed gratifying to tho league, inasmuch as it clearly shows that the public, generally fully recognise the fact that the league's selection committee is imbued with the one object in submitting ite ticket to the citizens, namely, the welfare of the city generally. . ■ . .

The contest has been remarkable by reason of the fact that the electors have had tho choice of two tickets, as opposed to the one ticket, issued by the Labour Socialist Party, and in some quarters it was feared that this duplication would have an unfavourable result to one of the main planks in tho league's platform, that party politics should be entirely dissociated from civic affairs. Happily,' the majority of the citizens fully realised this danger, and by their mandate at the polls have once again clearly demonstrated their determination that political coteries shall not bo permitted to control local affairs for mere party purposes.

Following the course adopted in previous years, tho league recommended a full quota for the Mayoral, City Council, Hospital Board, and Harbour Board vacancies, in all 34 candidates, and has secured the return of 27 of its nominees, without taking into account possibilities in connection with the scrutiny of the declaratory votes, which have yet to be investigated. Ag -before stated, the lesutt eJoarly

indicates that, notwithstanding the illnatured gibes of jealous factions, the citizens do appreciate the time and effort expended by the league in connection with civic affairs. Citizens having elected their municipal government for the next two years, the-league hopes that all concerned will compose their differences and wholeheartedly assist their elected representatives in framing an administrative policy in consonance with existing economic conditions. RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION VIEW. When seen "by a "Post" reporter today, Mr. H. H. Miller, president of the Wellington Eatepayers' Association, expressed himself as pleased with the results of the elections..He stated that of the seven now councillors elected, iivo were first approached by tho Eatepayers' Association and their consent to. nomination obtained. These gentlemen were Messrs. -W. Applcton, W. Duncan, S. Holm, J. M'Eldowuey, and J. M' Donald. The sixth, Mr. J. Burns, was v, Civic League nominee, and the ■ ■ seventh, Mr. 'J. N. Wallace, was first approached by the Civic League,- but ho was pleased to say ho -consented to appear-on the Eatepayers' Association ticket also; "My association is thus very pleased that with these seven new names there are ten gentlemen (two-thirds of the new council), whose names appeared on the Ratepayers' Association ticket," said Mr. Mfller. "There is no doubt that the public are in general accord with the aims of the association, tho principal of which 'are a policy, consolidation of tho work done by the outgoing council, and a claim for a 10 per cent, reduction of rates. As a matter of fact, nine of the elected members are definite subscribers to tho platform of the Eatepayers' Association. Wo are confident that the city will receive considerable benefit from the work that will be done by all of tho ..new councillors. The activity of the Wellington Eatepayers' Association has been splendidly demonstrated .by the results of .the elections, in. every sphere—Mayoralty, Council, , Hospital. Board, and Harbour Board.

"The Mayoral campaign was conducted by all parties on very clean lines, arid the return of Mr. T. O. AHislop is tho crowning achievement of those citizens who voted with belief in a policy of consolidation, co-ordina-: tion in departments, and rigid, economy. Tho Hospital Board results aro what, was generally expected, and we are sure citizens look forward with confidence to. tho work to be done by the new board." . " . ~. ;