The Star.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XVII, Issue 2954, 17 October 1891, Page 2

The Star.

(PUBLISHED OAICT,)

SATUBDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1891.

THE MAYORALTY.

Btjbgesses are asking one another Who is to be Mayor ? and the time is approaching when answer mnsfc be made. We have heard sundry names mentioned as being those ot likely candidates, but apparently j without authority, for inquiry has shown that, in several instances at anyrate, there is a disinclination to accept the duties. There is, of course, a good deal of work to be done, or, at anyrate, of timo to be given to dealing with various little matters of routine ; bnt the responsibilities entered into to secure the re-making of the streets

and the footpaths, whioh has been: the work of tl^s past year or two, forbid any ohanoe of a policy of works. On the whole, the position of the borough is very satisfactory. Its obligations are not very heavy, it has reserves which are increasing in value and some day will yield a good revenue, current liabilities are not great, and the rates are in no sense burdensome. Successive Mayors and Councils have managed carefully, and tbe present oocupants of office are entitled to a full share of the gratitude of the ratepayers for the work they have done and are doing. The polioy of tbe future should be much the same as that of tbe past. The metalling of the Glover road should have the early attention ol the Connoil. It is one of the main approaches to tbe borough, and the traffic to the railway Btation is very large. There is the advantage too that though it it practically a borough street the County Council is responsible for half cost of metalling and maintenance, owing to this being a boundary road, and it would be economical for the borough to encourage the use of the road. Water and drainage are becoming every day more pressing necessities, but apparently all that can be done is to husband resources as far as possible in the hope that before long it be possible to make an effort to secure effioient schemes. The day that a departure in that direction is financially possible will be a day on which a new era will open for the town. Water supply for domestic purposes and water motive power will make the town more attractive, and increase tbe means employing tbe population.