MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 April 1933, Page 2

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

MAYORAL “WALK OVER”?

The main roll for the Borough of Greymouth, to be used at the municipal elections on May 3, contains 2688 names, while 401 additional names appear on the supplementary roll. The name of Mr AV. H.‘ Parfitt was freely 'mentioned, as a likely candidate for the Greymouth Mayoralty, but he has definitely decided not to contest the position. At present, the indications point to another “walkover”—the third—for the sitting Mayor, Mr J. W. Greenslade.

The candidature of Mr F. L. Turley, foi* a seat on the Grey Rivei’ Hospital Board, as one of the Greymouth Borough representatives, is announced. LOCAL BODIES ELECTIONS. [to the editor.] Sir, —It must be admitted that in these difficult times, even more than when prosperity breeds indifference, we need the best brains there are to direct our civic affairs. The Municipal and Hospital Board elections should be engaging the attention of business men and ratepayers more than seems to the the case, judging by the report of the municipal elections appearing in last evening’s issue. Some of the seats on the Borough Council' appear to be held almost in perpetuity. No one can argue that this is in the best interests of the community. Certainly, it would be unwise to displace the whole of the Council by a new set of men, for continuity of policy is desirable, but it is equally unwise not to introduce a goodly proportion of new blood and new ideas every two years. What is desired are men of established business ability, particularly on the Hospital Board. I feel sure that I am voicing the opinions of a great number of ratepayers when I

state that the Hospital Board’s con trol by the members during their term has been most unsatisfactory. Their policy of discussing too many business matters of great importance in com-

mittee has given food for thought, and the cause of mis-placed confidence. It is the duty of business men who hitherto have avoided the responsibility of serving the town, to come forward. 1 trust that the call to service will not be upon deaf ears and that, experienced business men who have hitherto avoided local politics will pause and consider whether they are shirking their reasonable responsibilities Undoubtedly, Councillors and members of the Hospital Board have given of their best and we would be failing in our duty if we were not appreciative of their efforts, but that, Sir, is not the point, in these troublous days of hard finance we require the best brains of the town and district to control our Borough and Hospital affairs. I am, etc. “DO YOUR BIT.”