THE LOCAL ELECTIONS.

Mataura Ensign, 24 April 1917, Page 4

THE LOCAL ELECTIONS.

Mr D. McDougall last night gave a resume of the municipal work of the past two years that was in every way way satisfactory. Nothing big has been accomplished, but, as in the ease of the Village Blacksmith and his daily task, there lias, been “something attempted, something done.” The figures brought forward showed that the balance of liabilities' had been decreased, the rates had been lowered, and the various Borough enterprises were in. a healthy position. Little more could be looked for or expected by the most hypercritical in these peculiar times. Mr McDougall is properly seized of the importance of doing the best for the town in regard to the electric light contract, and no doubt at an early meeting of the Council, whoever is selected Mayor, a committee will be set up to get all the necessary data and report as to the best method for settling the town’s lighting scheme for another term of years. Apart from this and the necessity for giving proper services to West Gore when opportunity offers, and the provision of a soldiers’ monument after the war, nothing'of a constructive nature is proposed or could reasonably be looked for at this juncture. Altogether Mr McDougall has no cause to be aslramed of his record, and may reasonably look to receiving a large measure of support to-morrow. His opponent (Councillor Burrows) has a long record of good service in the public interest to his credit, and in an advertisement puts forward a very similar programme to that of his opponent. We hardly anticipate a big poll in view of the absence of any “burning” question, and the fact that only in one ward is there any election for Councillor.

At Mataura a good deal of interest is being taken in the election both for Mayor and Councillors. For the former office there are two candidates, namely, Messrs F. W. Brown (sitting Mayor) and John Lowden, an exMayor. Mr Brown has been a member of the Council for a good number of years but has only served one term as Mayor. During his term he has proved a good man for the position and has devoted a great deal of his time to the duties of the office. Apart from his mayoral activities he has proved a very valuable worker for the Patriotic Committee, especially in the interests of returned soldiers. Mr Lowden has been associated with the Council for a considerable period at different times, and he is well versed in borough matters. A record has been established in the nominations received for Councillors, there being 17 aspirants for the nine vacancies. The present Council is one of the best that has been in

office for many years, and the work of the Borough has been carried out expeditiously and in the best interests of the ratepayers. Of the old Council jjnl yone member does not seek reelection, namely, Councillor J. M. Park, whose business keeps him out in the country during the week. Of the other nominees, Messrs McConnell and Henry Osborne have sat on the Council before, but the rest are all now to municipal duties. A heavy polling is expected, and the result will be watched with keen interest.