The Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1944, LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 May 1944, Page 4

The Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1944, LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS.

’J’HOSE Who advocated a postponement : of the local body elections will realise, : to-day, that there was little national support for such a proposal, if the number of : candidates nominated reflects the extent of public interest. From all parts of'the Dominion come reports of record number < of nominations and this is gratifying, if such gratification is tinged with regret that a fair number of the candidates are there more for the Labour Party than the local bodies for which they are offering their services. Moreover, there are the “employee” candidates, whose success at the polls would open the way to a system of job control not in the ratepayers’ interest. It is a pity that Labour forced the political party issue in these elections, and it is to be hoped that the voters generally, will support those with real qualifications for the offices sought, irrespective of their party colours. Labour organisation and appeals to “class loyalties and solidarity” make effective weapons,’ and should not be despised by opponents. There is ample time before Saturday, May 27, for all the enrolled to reflect on the merits of the respective candidates, remembering that/ on their own choice will depend the standard of local body government for the next three years. On the West Coast, there are comparatively few unopposed returns, and amongst these is that of Mr. F. A. Kitchinghain for the Greymouth mayoralty, making his third term in the office. He is entitled to take lack of opposition as a vote ol:’ confidence in him from supporters and opponents alike, and this encouragement should assist him in the difficult years ahead. He will find the task easier if he has as Council colleagues those with whom he can best collaborate. f lhe borough electors have a wide selection of .candidates, including those who have a record of useful municipal service and i some new aspirants eager to serve the community. There should be little difficulty in returning a well-balanced council, experience and enthusiasm being blended, so that the real interests of all in the borough may be advanced. Au interesting i nomination for the Hospital Board is that of Mrs. Parfitt. Few will question the desirability of having women as members of this Board, or all other local bodies for that matter. It is unnecessary to comment, on all. the candidates and their objectives. A public meeting should be arranged before election day at whicli all the nominees should be given the opportunity ol making a brief statement of thcii. aims and hopes for community welfare. AVest Coasters may be expected to take I lie elect ions calmly, realising that the occasion is not one for display of high feelings or bitterness. The ability to agree to disagree, when necessary, is one essential for all such contests. Determination to vote is another. Elections are a right that should be exercised. I he tendency is to deprive the people of this privilege, and small polls encourage lhese undemocratic groups. Moreover, il is fair and courteous to the candidates Io attend the polling booths. Any who offer their services to a community are entitled to this recognition, whatever their fate on. election day. .In other centres in the Dominion, expectations ol high, pollings is general, some of the contests, especially m the four main cities, approaching the keenness of Parliamentary contests. That ■ excess is not to be welcomed, and comes from the introduction of party politics in matters in which they have no right of entry.