ON THE HUSTINGS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2714, 23 June 1925, Page 7

ON THE HUSTINGS

Candidates For Council By-Election

SHORT SPEECHES AT MOTOR’S MEETING.

By invitation of the Mayor (Mr, F. J. Nathan) four of the five candidates for the vacancy on the Palmerston North Borough Council' caused by the resignation of Mr. F. Jackson, briefly addressed ratepayers at the termination of the mayoral address last night on Friday's loan proposals. Mr. O. A. Jorgensen thought the water question should be faced as undoubtedly it had become necessary to do so, Palmerston North being no longer a borough, but on the eve of beeming a city. He was only sorry the scheme outlined did not provide for a more adequate supply. It might not be advisable though, to put a more comprehensive scheme before th« ratepayers, as they had had so manj disappointments that quite likely thoj would be sceptical about even whai was being promised now (Laughter). The speaker was of opinion that in the carrying out of all requirements, there was something lacking, as the Council had invariably to come back for additional loan authorities. “I don’t want you to give me your vote if you think I am going to be an echo of the present Council” added Mr. Jorgensen amid further laughter. He reckoned he had no axe to grind, was not connected with landed ipterests but was a small ratepayer who flattered himself ho possessed a ,certait amount of knowledge he could place at the disposal of the Borough.

Mr. R. Edwards, in answer to i question as to what ho meant by advertising ho was in favour of “ a clean administration,” said it was merely a stock phrase. He added that in seeking office, as councillor he would if successful, be taking on a man's job. "That’s why I’m asking you to elect me.” (Laughter). He claimed ratepayers were not satisfied with the preient Council. “Things took a funny turn last election,” said Mr. Edwards, and I don’t think the ratepayers really got the Council they wanted, although its members have a certain amount of ability—l don’t deny that" (Laughter). Mr Edwards quoted a voluminous newspaper report with reference to the failure of clay pipes, caused, he said, because they were not reinforced. He thought that not being an expert, the Mayor told the ratepayers what he heard and “that’s about all he can do,” concluded the mayoral light of other days. If elected Mr. Edwards undertook to act strictly in the interests of the ratepayers and if he did this he said he. felt he would be acting in the interests of everybody else. Mr. P. W. Hubbard claimed he was not versed in diplomacy, but always spoke his mind and didn’t care whom he offended. He urged the ratepayers to give due consideration to any further proposals Involving loan expenditure, as since he had come into the town, his own rates had increased very considerably in the last four years. He did not agree with the Mayor’s statement that the boundaries should be • extended but that attention should be concentrated on the present area and administer it according to their present means. He touched briefly on difficulty in connection with the- Borough -power plant, and -the speed of the Auckland express from Terrace End to Palmerston North station which should, in the speaker's opinion, not exceed 20 miles per hour. Ho .assured ratepayers that if elected he would devote his time to seeing that their money was judiciously expended. Mr. G. H. Trott said his reason for again offering his services was because he felt it incumbent upon him to consider the wishes of the 1700 odd ratepayers who voted for him at the general election In April. He stood as an independent, although his name had appeared on the' -citizems- "ticket"; and ho intended to devote his services, if elected, to the benefit of ratepayers generally and not of any particular class. It was said that he was rejected previously because he was not well known, but he preferred that fate to being turned down because of his being too well-known. (Laughter). He regretted that his name stood so far down on the alphabetical register as to that reason he ascribed the cause of his failure to secure election earlier, most electors having marked off the full panel before reaching his name. It might interest ratepayers to know, said Mr. Trott, that he had as good a technical knowledge of certain works as any gentleman who sat at the Council tab! e and was not altogether devoid of practical experience in that direction. He felt that, if elected, he could add a little to the fund of intelligence undoubtedly required in the many Council discussions.

Mr. J. T. Fahey was the only one of the five candidates who did not make his bow to the audience. A vote of thanks to his worship for presiding- the meeting-.