SATURDAY'S VOTING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 113, 15 May 1941, Page 8

SATURDAY'S VOTING

Voting in the local government elections will take place on Saturday. In the General Election of 1938 the change to Saturday for polling-day did not result in a smaller poll; but there was keen interest in that contest. In the local government elec-

lion campaign there is not equal interest. But if this lack of interest leads to many citizens neglecting to vote, it may prove costly neglect. Electors are urged to vote before entering upon whatever weekend recreation they may have planned. As polling-booths close at 6 p.m., persons who leave voting till after the day's recreation may be too late. A further point to be emphasised is that electors should inform themselves accurately of the identity of candidates and their views. We republish today a list of nominations for the Wellington bodies with their classification. It is not unknown in local polling that candidates with familiar names have been benefited by mistakes of electors. This can be avoided if electors take a little trouble to find out who is who. At the present time jthere is, we feel sure, no risk of Communist candidates being elected except by mistake; but this mistake should be guarded against. In the election for Mayor and City Council the main aim should be to assure stability in municipal affairs. This is no time for entering upon new schemes of civic activity. All effort and energy should be directed to the national war-winning task. The discussion upon housing provides an illustration. Labour has advocated more direct and extended municipal housing activity. But it is well known that all labour and material that can be spared for building is being used. An attempt to increase the municipal activity could not increase the number of houses built. It might, indeed, be detrimental through increased competition for limited material and labour supplies. Over the past three years, and particularly in the war period, the present Mayor, Mr. Hislop, and the City Council with a Citizens' majority have followed a sound policy with efficient administration. The personnel of the council can be strengthened by the addition of some of the candidates with special qualifications Avho have been nominated. But there is every reason for endorsement of the past policy, and care should be taken that the Citizens' majority, which has made this possible is not lost. The greatest danger is of apathy, and the first and last admonition to electors must be: Be sure to vote.