Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, APRIL 14th., 1927. BOROUGH CANDIDATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 April 1927, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, APRIL 14th., 1927. BOROUGH CANDIDATES

There is cause for gratification at the number of candidates for the forthcoming municipal elections, there being unexpected competition for what is a real privilege. To be one of a town’s administrators is an honour not to be despised, and one not to be carelessly bestowed. Public life in the Dominion cannot be maintained on desirable standards of efficiency, if apathy prevails regarding membership of local bodies. The candidates having done their part, it is the clear duty of those qualified to vote to do theirs, and be certain to attend the polling booths on April 27 next. It is not fair to those offering their time and services for the common good, to have acceptance or rejection decided by a few. A large vote will give the new councils etc., a splendid start, inspiring the members to give of their best.

Greymouth, which at one time looked as if it would have no municipal elections, will have the honours at its disposal eagerly sought for, and between now and

polling day, the townspeople will have adequate opportunity to

meditate on the respective merits of the various candidates. Every one of these should be given a fair deal, just consideration being spared for the qualifications of each for the position he, or she, desires to fill. No prejudice should be permitted to act against any of the candidates on account of age, sex, or other things that have nothing to do with the issue, nor should support be forthcoming solely on political party grounds. Party politics are quite out of place in municipal elections, which should be fought without bias or bitterness. The electors should be left to decide for themselves; this is much easier for them to do in borough elections than in parliamentary contests, owing to the former’s narrower field and the greater personal acquaintance with the candidates.

The Greymouth mayoralty candidates are both well-known, and should each have a strong following. Mr. Parfitt has done well as Mayor, so far, and his opponent has assisted him as Deputy-Mayor. Whoever wins will be acquainted with the duties and able to represent worthily the citizens. Incidentally, the mayor of a borough is not its chief magistrate. The candidates for the Borough Council include old and new aspirants, and between them should have no difficulty in forming an efficient body, able to keep borough administration on the level the progress of the'town demands. There is eom,mendable rivalry to serve on the Hospital Board, and it is to be hoped that the electors will pay special attention to this particular contest. The hospital is now a big and expensive affair. It is more important than ever, that the Board should be worthy of its high task. The sitting representatives of the borough on the Power Board arc being opposed by a sitting Councillor, and the result should be close. The affairs of the Power Board appear to be giving occasion for some anxiety, and upon the composition of the new Board much will depend. There will be later opportunity to comment on the Borough elections, but, meanwhile, we appeal to all townspeople to give their serious attention to the candidates’ merits, and determine to vote on Wednesday week next.

At the end of the term of a local body, there arc usually some who announce their retirement from public life, frequently after many years of service. A notable instance of this relinquishment, this time, is that of Mr. 11. F. Doogan, who after 16 years’ valuable work for Greymouth has decided to take a rest. He should not be permitted to retire without some acknowledgment being made of his public services. Like others, we have not always agreed with Mr. Doogan, but he was one of the “strong men” of the Borough Council, and gave his best assistance to the Mayors and Councillors with whom he has served. Not only on the Council was he active, as his work on the Power Board made the community his debtor. His defeat at the previous election was a display of in-t gratitude, and one that has proved to be not in the best interests of the Board or the district it serves. Another Councillor not seeking reelection is Mr. G. Harker. He was a comparatively new Councillor, but had proved, his worth, and his re-election would have been sure, had he offered his services again. Mr. Harker is the type of man local bodies require, and it is to be hoped that his severance from the Borough Council is but temporary.