The Mayoral Campaign

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 106, 6 May 1941, Page 6

The Mayoral Campaign

MR, TENNENT AT WEST END Mr. W. B. Tennent addressed West End electors last night, with Mr. G. A. Ball as his chairman. In introducing the speaker, Mr. Ball expressed pleasure at Mr. Tennent keeping his engagement, although* he had not been in bed since Saturday night, having been engaged on work in connection with -the flood. Mr. Tennent expressed sympathy with that part of the city which had been affected. He then traversed the affairs of the city on the lines of previous speeches and was given a very attentive hearing. He referred to a leaflet soliciting support for the Labour ticket given him as ho entered the hall and claimed that his policy had anticipa/ted what the leaflet was claiming, for he was making provision for useful work when the soldiers returned, for a longrange plan put into operation in sections which would give employment over a period of years. Further, regarding the electricty rate, the domestic consumer locally paid less than in any other place in New Zealand, yet a surplus was also realised, which was partly passed on to the general account, partly used for small capital outlay and partly to reduce tho rate for the subsequent year. A small reserve in most things was prudent, as, for instance, this year tho Government requested a reduction in electricity sold of 5 per cent., reducing the income of the electricity department. Questioners asked; if he objected to Sunday sport on, the reserves and the candidate replied that he believed that set time should be allowed for public worship and as long as such sports did not interfere with or were not objectionable to such worship ho had no objection to such sport being played on municipal areas. He was sure that if West End approached the council similarly a sympathetic response would be given. In reply to tho question, “Can you provide a children's play area for West End?” Mr. Tennent said the council was always sympathetic to such an object, and a Terrace End committee bad, with council assistance, transferred a gravel pit into a beautiful playing area. A motion moved by Mr. A. Just and seconded by Mr. Speedy, voting thanks and confidence in the speaker, was carried, unanimously.