BOROUGH ELECTIONS

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1944, Page 4

BOROUGH ELECTIONS

AND NEGLECT OF WORKS

(L.R.C. Publicity Committee)

Contrary to his contention ,in a letter to the "Argus” we did not attack Mr J. Saunders for anything done by him in urging people to subscribe for war loans; or .as an E.P.S controller—-for which he deserves credit. We were, in our opinion, justified amply nevertheless, in criticising him strongly in his . municipal capacity, regarding the state into which so many of our streets, footpaths and drains have during his period of responsibility been allowed to deteriorate. We stated, earlier when drawing attention to the whispering camnaign against our candidates, that our criticisms would be fair an f ] open, but also trenchant and straight. It is, evident, on Mr Saunders’ own confession that ne devoted little or no time to borough works; his excuse beung that since 1939 there has 'been a war on — but has the gravel and sand disappeared from this district? And is there a shortage of tar? We see no reason why our streets and f°otoaths could not be kept up to a reasonably high standard We respectfully suggest that the people are entitled to VALUE—anc. in oui opinion, they are definitely not get<’'ng it’ Take Mr Saunders’ own line, when he has actually tried to get something done., He and his coterie have offered as a civic recommendation of themselves their criticism of the Forestry Department and its head. Hon. C. F. Skinner, for not olantinr trehs hereabouts. We would like to point out that Hon. (' F Skinner lias done a pretty fair ,;; ar ‘-job—as a front line soldier. In our opinion, the Minister was entitled io some tolerance and assistance in view of the fact that he. was home from the war and placed in charge of a new department. If Mr Saunders and his coterie were justified m “keeping Mr Skinner up to the mark” so too. were we in reminding Mr Saunders he had a ion to do but, in our opinion had failed dismally. If be cons’dered our earlier reminder anv advertisement, he was Welcome —but we now think I he is doubtful, and that this is why j his renlv had so I’ttle to do with ■ the points we raised, and .so much | to do with Mr Saunders himself. He ; therefore seems less convinced than ' he says. that the people w>ll b° sat- I isfie’d 'with his admission that “there I is much to be done.” .Knowing there is, the electors, if they vote fas thev should) for, Labour. can rest assured of its being done, and of the benefits accruing to this town ho’ng seen ’in the not-too-distant future.