DISTRICT’S VOTE SAME AS TOWN’S

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6915, 22 May 1929, Page 3

DISTRICT’S VOTE SAME AS TOWN’S

REPLY TO FEILDING PROTEST.

A contradiction to several statements by Peilding Chamber of Commerce members regarding the Wellington Harbour Board election, was given by Mr. M. A. Eliott at yesterday’s meeting of tho Palmerston North Chamber.

"At a meeting of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce held on Monday, May 0, several statements were made which should not remain uncontradicted," said Mr. Eliott. The Mayor of Feeding (Mr. Taylor) stated that owing to the preponderance of voting in Palmerston North that borough, was ablo to return its two candidates with comfortable majorities and the rest of tho area was without representation. An analysis of tho voting through tho area which extended from Otaki to Mangaweka showed that oven leaving out entirely the boroughs of Palmerston North and Feilding, tho rest of the area returned tho two present representatives at the head of the poll, stated Mr. Eliott. The voting was:—Eliott, 1228, Eitzherbert, 1110'; Tolley, 913. This was a complete answer to the statement that tho rest of the area was without representation. In any case, the interests of Palmerston North, Feilding and all the other boroughs, as well as the country districts were identical us far as Wellington Harbour Board matters were concerned. Therefore, it did not matter in the least in what particular part of tho area tho representatives lived. "I agree with what has been said regarding the country elections being held a week later than the borough polls," tho speaker added. "It would bo much better in every way, besides being a saving of expense, if both were held on the same dav."

The chairman (Mr. M. H. Oram): That is reasonable. Ho added that Mr. Eliott had answered Eeilding’s protest.

Mr. Eliott suggested that his reply should also be placed before tho Minister and to this the council agreed. While on the subject of tho Harbour Board, Mr. A. P. Stuart mentioned that importers had no representation on the board and they really should be represented.

Mr. Eliott observed that the Act would nave to be altered.

Mr. A. T. Bendall: The representatives surely will look after the interests of tho importers. Mr. Eliott: Quite so. Our object is to do the best for the whole district. I will be prepared to do anything for importers, if a case is placed before me."