The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1927. THE PROBLEM OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10377, 7 April 1927, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1927. THE PROBLEM OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

It is to be regretted that, as yet, but little interest is being manifested in the pending local body elections. As far as the municipal polls' are concerned, what little discussion is taking place centres round the contest for the Mayoralty. The electors would appear to overlook the fact that what is required liesides a capable municipal leader is a capable council. , If the retiring council had had no big problems to wo try our and, if all its members were standing for re-election, one might feel that one could explain why apathy is being displayed. But, as has already been stressed, only three of the retiring “City Fathers’’ intend agaiii to offer their services. In t’«e cricunistances,"it would appear that, strenuous efforts should be made to induce ex-members of the council v.ho proved highly efficient to serve the town for another term of office. The electors will, we feel, share this journal’s opinion that, in recent years, there have Keen far too many changes in the personnel of the council and we can only trust that the new council will not he composed mainly of novices. It is surprising, too, that so little is heard about the poll in connection with the Borough representation on the Harbor Board. As is well-known, no other local body in this district is as much discussed as that which controls local harbour affairs. And, yet, only one new aspirant for membership can, so far, be named! On tbe other hand, lack of agitation in respect of the Power Board election is easily explainable. That body lias done, and is doing, consistently good work and we believe the ..great majority of the electors are perfectly satisfied to allow those sitting Bopough representatives who care to offer themselves to go back. As regards the Hospital Board, it is rumored that there will be a reasonably keen election. In tbe past there has been far too much bickering at the Board table and many electors are far from pleased with some of the results obtained, more especially in respect of the liospit il farm. With nominations closing in a week, it is, surely, high time that more interest were displayed in the need to strengthen the various local bodies wherever possible.