CIVIC ELECTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 81, 6 April 1933, Page 6

CIVIC ELECTIONS

QUESTION OF RATES

, MR. HOSKINS OPENS

Friends and supporters of Mr. P. D. Hoskins, a candidate for tho City Council at'the forthcoming elections, ihet last night for the purpose of. furthering his candidature. . .-,■ ■ Mr. M. -Malouey was voted to the chair and explained that Mr. HoskLns had in response to tho request of a number of the electors consented to nomination and that he had been chosen by the selection committee of tho Ratepayers' Association and the Civic League. Mr. Hoskins,had polled well at the last election, occupying seventeenth position on the poll. It was decided to set up a committee to promote tho candidate's return.

Mr. Hosfciris thanked those present for their interest in his candidature, aud assured them that lie would do all that he possibly could to assist in the economic administration of tho city's affairs. This was the only pledge he was prepared to give, as' he. recognised that there were extreme difficulties in. these abnormal times which prevented anyone seeking election to the council from making promises or giving pledges in regard to city affairs. 'By economic administration, without ,of ..course impairing efficiency, a reduction in rates should bo-possible. At the present time rates were too high, and they not only affected the ratepayer, but also the rent-payer. Tho question of rate reduction was therefore a matter wliicli required the fullest investigation .in the interests of both landlord and tenant. After provision had been made for replacement, the profits from the Electricity Department should bo utilised for reducing the charges to consumers. There were many other matters to which he would refer later, and which he would, if elected; endeavour to rectify. . A further public meeting will be held at S p.m. on AVoilncsday, April 12, at Fanning'a. Buildings, -7-1 Manners Street-. , ;