THE LOCAL ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15260, 26 March 1913, Page 6

THE LOCAL ELECTIONS.

The* tendency to popularise all . public bodies is ' manifest in ' the : coming local "' ; elections, I ' where v the/Parliamentary ' franchise is '■ now the qualificatioja -of voters for ■ the > Harbour Board and ; Hospital . Board- representatives, s as well as " for members ■of the various local authorities. ' There has long;been marked- difference of opinion as to whether direct or indirect "methods- of election are most desirable in choosing boards of a purely administrative, character; the question having been decided,! definitely and permanently, it is the duty of the electors to demonstrate that the-trust reposed in I them is not given in vain.. Local bodies are often . scornfully spoken/ of by those whSse imaginations are caught by the wider range of national politics,! but the work of councils: and boards is so near to the everyday, life of citizen's ( that even parliaments ; are not greater powers for good or evil. The value attached to local politics by practical men can -be estimated from the comparative readiness ! with which citizens of ; ability and reputation come forward to serve their city or their district . in local affairs. This usually .gives. to the electors opportunity to cast their votes ■ for candidates ; who will administer the local business efficiently and 'impartial'..' If the ; electors are deserving of "the votes they now possess for Harbour Board, Hospital Board and local 'council, they will mark the occasion by bestowing their; suffrages upon candidates "whose election will be creditable to the public and advantageous to the public business.