CIVIC AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 25948, 13 November 1946, Page 12

CIVIC AFFAIRS

OBJECTS OF CITIZENS' ASSOGIA- ~ TION AROUSING HEALTHY INTEREST Its objects could briefly be summed up as the maintenance of a healthy interest in local body affairs and to insure the election of candidates to public bodies who were prepared .to devote their time, ability, and efforts towards the efficient control of the affairs of the city without the domination of any party political organisation, said the president (Mr J. L. Mclndoe) at the annual meeting last night ,of the Dunedin Citizens’ Association. One of the things which had struck him most upon his return from overseas, said Mr Mclndoe, was the attitude of certain members of the City Council who, because they were in the minority, refused to accept the responsibility of the chairmanship of committees. This was introducing party politics with a vengeance, and was an'aspect to be deplored. Surely it was possible to secure 12 candidates to the City Council who were prepared to accept office if elected and do their best in the interests of the citizens as a whole. He felt very strongly that a city councillor could not do justice to the dual holes of city councillor and member of Parliament, and he felt that the Citizens’ Association should make it plain that it was opposed to this in principle, regardless of whatever political leanings a, councillor might have. Mr Mclndoe referred to the change in the date of the City Council election from May to November, and said there was an entire absence of any reasonable explanation for the change. The various sub-committees to be set up in connection with the local body elections could now be delayed until next April or May. He concluded by thanking committee members for the support accorded him during his period of office. The motion was seconded by Mr A Ibbotson, who congratulated the president upon the good work done during the past few months. Mr Ibbotson also 'referred to the sound financial position of the association. Messrs S. R. Whyte, C. ,J. Wood, and A. C. Halligan supported the motion. The report, and balance sheet were adopted. OFFICE-BEARERS. The following were elected: —President, Mr J. L. Mclndoe; vice-president, Messrs G. J. Errington and M. Poulter. The following were elected to fill vacancies on the committee: —Messrs L. •M. Wright, R. E. Barr, M. Wilkinson, J. B. Deaker, R. D. Stewart, W. H. Jeffery, •R. A. Mitchell, and J. M. Pattridk. Mr C. T. Lee said he would like to see . more activity on the part of the association, between elections. >. This opened up a'spirited discussion, Messrs A. C. Cameron, W. G. Kindley, 0. J. Wood, and G. J, Errington supporting Mr Lee. It was agreed to refer the suggestion to the executive for consideration at the first meeting in the new year. A