CIVIC ADMINISTRATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18567, 27 November 1923, Page 9

CIVIC ADMINISTRATION.

COUNCIL'S STUDIED POLICY.

PROVISION FOR THE FUTURE

GROWTH OF THE' CITY.

The studied policy of the City Council to make ample provision for meeting the future needs of Auckland was discussed last evening by the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, in his address to the ratepayers on the loan issues to bo submitted at a poll to-morrow. Mr. Gunson said that seven months ago the council had given an account of civic administration during the last eight years, and had indicated a policy for the current term, upon which the ratepayers had supported them. The programmo of works under that policv would fully engage the council until April, 1925, the end of it* present term. The administration, ho said, was faced with two alternatives, one of which was to accept as sufficient the programme of works at present authorised; thereafter to leave for consideration questions of further development work. _ The other choice was to give consideration now to the ftrture needs of the city, with a view of adequate provision therefor, so as to- avoid the commercial and domestic growth of the city being in adI vance of public services.

Adequate and Able Engineers* Advice. The council had considered these alternatives, said Mr. Gunson, and had resolved that its duty lay in the direction of adopting the policy embodied in the second alternative, upon which it had adequate and able engineers' advice. It would be obvious that there was no prospect of the works in the considerable programme, now proposed, being carried to completion by the present admimstra. tion. That would fall to their successors in office, to whom it was desired to hand down a sound and constructive policy in essential city services. That would be realised when it was indicated that the programme of works -now submitted for authorisation would not, as far as the principal issues were concerned (waterworks and tramways), be commenced for at least a year, and the completion of the waterworks was estimated to take about five years from this date.

Reply to Criticism. ] "Some of our critics complain that they never see any divisions reported or hear of differences or contentions between us," continued the Mayor. "They erroneously infer therefrom that we are listless, indifferent, and without individuality among as in our administration. Such a view is misinformed and unappreciative. The council's administration is directed in accordance with a well-considered plan and operates a studied policy designed to secure unity in administration, with efficiency and progress in its works. Amid the "increasing complexity _ of modern economic and social conditions a policy to secure progress for the good of the city is the chief feature in our administration. The council announces its decisions; its contentions and divisions are settled among its members. Its differences and frequent struggles might be interesting, but if publicly announced they would rob the administration of dignity and disable it for the etfioent discharge of its responsibilities. Well-informed criticism is always welcomed—it is necessary for a well-ordered and efficient administration and always tends to encourage; it acts as a spur to further efforts for the public welfare. "As an administration we wish to be judged by our works and upon our qualifications effectively to serve you, as indicated, in the policy which from time to time is submitted. We make no claim of infallibility, but wo do submit that judged by the law of average as applied to public" affairs,' the administration may confidently claim year continued support. The administration assures you of its constant and unabated efforts."