LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

Grey River Argus, 2 May 1944, Page 4

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

WARNING FOR LABOUR SUPPORTERS. (Grey Labour Party Publicity Committee.) The action of the Oroua County Council in calling on all branches of the Farmers’ Union to organise for direct action to prevent the enforcing of the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act ought not be be lost sight of by the' workers, supporters of Labour, and all who cherish freedom. Such action is an illustration of what may be expected from a local body whose membership would put party before principle, and illustrates also the necessity for Labour representation on local bodies generally. This attitude should be answered on polling day by overwheming support for Labour candidates.

The facts of the case under notice are as follows: Mr. J. Jordan asked the Buller Countv Council to support a resolution passed bv the Oroua County Council calling on all branches of the Farmers’ Union to organise for direct action to prevent the enforcing of the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act. Hon. W. H. Mclntyre said that for any county council to ask ratepayers not to pay rates, as was suggested in the communication, was absurd. Mr. Jordan: “Instead of asking them not to pay rates, it could be altered to social security and income tax. We must fight this in the proper spirit. It is possible that we may have a council composed of non-ratepayers after the elections.” Mr. J. Dowgray said that the resolution was senseless and was a direct attack on the Government and the war effort. Mr. D. J. Archer also criticised the resolution and said that it would be better to get the opinion of the Counties’ Association on the matter. He was not in favour of asking people not to pay rates or their other obligations. Mr. Jordan said that if the Counties’ Association would take a firm stand he would agree to that. It was decided to refer the question to the Counties’ Association.

The reasons for the Oroua’ County Council’s hostility to the Act are obvious—the anti-Labour elements are convinced that the fewer workers who vote, the greater the chances of Tory control of local bodies. There are two classes only. Of these Labour stands for progress and for the welfare of the community as a whole. The other, calling itself at various times, Reform, Liberal, Nationalist, or Citizens is Tory and represents private monopoly of control. It is imperative that electors shall not let themselves be misled by such talk as “politics should play no part in local bodies’ affairs.” The Tories say this for the purpose of pulling wool over the eyes of John Citizen, whereas it the practise the contrary, do not be misled! Vote for Labour candidates—far better to be sure than sorry. The Labour Party will present a oolicy that will commend itself to all who believe in progress. Remember Labour can win and will win if the workers, who are the great majority, rally on election day to the cause of progress. There will be a large number of candidates offering, but they will be split itno two camps, Labour ana antiLabour. Workers know who to vote for. Therefore, let them act accordingly.