The Grey River Argus THURSDAY, MAY ll, 1944. LABOUR’S INTEREST IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1944, Page 4

The Grey River Argus THURSDAY, MAY ll, 1944. LABOUR’S INTEREST IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

First in the field alike with a statement of policy and an announcement of candidates, Labour has in this district again shown its genuine regard for the public welfare. Opponents. on the other hand, display a negative attitude in hanging behind with the object, not of commending any policy of their own, but of attempting to discredit the very idea that the working class has as such the right to representation on local bodies. In this borough, for instance, the probability is that the Labour’s opponents will finally base a plea for election on the score of what they did not and would not attempt to do, rather than upon any positive accomplishment, either actual or potential. Perhaps the plea will take the form of economy, especially as there latterly has been such an utter absence of anything really constructive. A virtue will be made of the necessity of doing so little in the absence pf materials. But Greymouth is going neither to advance nor to prepare itself for progress if its municipal policy is simply to rely upon the State, and especially upon what finance the Government can be persuaded to provide for development. As regards the port, there is a case for urging the Government to assist, but in the town itself the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number ought to be realised far more than it latterly has been from the resources which the residents make available. It has been demonstrated that the progressive policy of the Labour Government is beneficial in the light of that principle, and one illustration has been the growing use made by the community of services provided by the hospital. On the other hand, recent months have shown how the whole district may sustain a great setback through an interruption in the utility of the port. The Chairman of the Harbour Board, who happens to be a Labour representative, has in his annual report raised a vital issue in reference to the suspension of the subsidy due to the Board on account of the endowments which the State took from it at a time when there was no Labour representation. The Labour Party is taking a reasonable view of the future not only in regard to this matter; but also that of the rehabilitation of our servicemen upon their return, when there will be an unprecedented opportunity for hew development, and any community neglecting that opportunity is like to fall behind in the march of progress. On the other hand, anti-Labourites’ attitude at this time is denoted by the same old scare mongering regarding rates —as if the reason for any apprehension were not the obvious results of their own past administration. It is certain that Labour principles would afford better value for expenditure than the principles of those who look so little for a return that their only idea is that of as little enterprise as possible. On the other hand, if Labour espouses a policy of distributive justice in local government, it is accused of introducing national politics. What Labour’s critics miss on the swings they expect to pick up on the roundabouts when it comes to criticism. Had there been a full Labour ticket for the Borough Council, the cry would have been that the idea was to monopolise representation, whereas in the absence of a full ticket the local organ of opposition points out that there is no Labour candidate for the Mayoralty, and also suggests that there may be “a paucity” of Labourites qualified to be candidates. In advance of the selection there was a complaint about party, and after the selection there is one about men. The fact that some of the Labour candidates are already members of local bodies is quoted, if you please, as a reason why, they should not seek re-election! There is aiMuallv onlv one Labour candi-

date on this occasion standing foi each local body, and it is for reelection. His record as amply justifies the Labour Party in nominating him as it has hitherto justified the people in electing him. His latest annual reports as Chairman alike of the Harbour Board and the Hospital Board demonstrated his progressive spirit and grasp of the essentials of administration. Fault is even found that the Labour Party has nominated no women, but if there has been any lack in that respect on Labour’s part, it is a fact that Labour on this score can challenge. comparison with the antiLabour section. It is indeed an obvious thing in this district today that the Labour Party is almost alone in infusing interest into the local body elections', and Hie electors generally should recognise this spirit in a practical wav.