MAYORAL CAMPAIGN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 131, 5 May 1941, Page 8

MAYORAL CAMPAIGN

.MR TENNENT'S MEETING. Considering the atrocious weather, there was a surprisingly largo attendance at the Municipal Hall on Saturday evening to hear Mr. \V. Bi Tennent, and this fact was specially remarked upon hy the chairman (Mr T. M. N. Rodgers) in introducing the speaker. Mr Tennent gave a summary of the city's affairs, and expounded the great possibilities of extending and beautifying the city. "Why is the council so strict in rigidly enforcing its discount dates lor the gas accounts?" asked a questioner. Mr Tennent replied that a resident who had a reasonable explanation for being a day or two late could have the discount allowed once. The Audit Department demanded that discount could not be allowed beyond the due date, except; by resolution of the council ■which considsiders and approves the granting of the discount.

"Are you in favour of a municipal milk scheme?" asked another questioner. Mr Tennent replied that if it could be shown that a municipal milk supply would be more satisfactory to the public he would favour it. He remarked, however, that I'almerston North enjoys a high standard of quality; further, that several cities in New Zealand had a municipaly supply and the general conclusions that this method was more satisfactory could not be drawn. A motion of thanks and confidence was submitted by Mr J. Grant, seconded by Mr D. Grant Eraser and carried unanimously.

Referring to the three aspirants in moving his motion Mr Grant said that since the last war, some twenty-two years ago, Palmerston North had had four Mayors and in that period Mr Mansford had had more than a fair innings, having been in for ten years. "And, although 1 am a friend of his, 1 think he should now make way for someone else," added Mr Grant. "As to making; no change because there is a war on, it is almost as ridiculous as if the Mayor elected after the last ware claimed you should not have another election whilst peace lasts! Some people are perturbed because Mr Murphy has arrived over the horizon at (he last minute. Now what public claim or service has Mr Murphy to be elected to our highest cievil- office? Whilst Mr Mansford has been in too long, Mr Murphy has not. been in any civic office at all! The third aspirant is Mr Blair Tennent who amongst his other public services has given magnificent service on the council for eight' years. He has to-night given a masterly and lucid speech denoting a thorugh grasp of civic affairs, and is a man who would fill the position with great ability and dignity. Tn the West End School to-night Mr Tennent will address the electors in furtherance of his Mayoral candidature, specially referring to the situation arising from a third candidate entering the. contest. The address will commence at S p.m. and questions are invited.