LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19607, 8 April 1927, Page 12

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS.

MOUNT ALBERT MAYORALTY TWO CANDIDATES IN FIELD. MR. RHODES AND MR. AfWELL. MOUNT EDEN'S TRANQUILLITY. A contest for the Mayoralty of Mount Albert is assured by the announcement made last evening by Captain W. Atwell, of Morningside, that he would again stand against the sitting Mayoi, Mr. L. E. Rhodes. Captain Atwell, formerly a staff officer in the Imperial Forces, infused a good deal of life into the Mayoral contest at Mount Albert two years ago by* his vigorous electioneering methods. On- that occasion he pollod 1370 votes against 1431 cast for Mr. Rhodes. The latter has occupied the Mayoral chair for four years, and he recently consented to stand for a further term when approached by an influential deputation. The Borough Council is elected on the ward system, each ward electing two members. It is practically certain that seven of the sitting members will again Mer themselves for election. The retiring member is Mi'. L. F. Simmons. Other candidates are standing in certain of the wards, so that an election is assured for the council as well as for the Mayoralty. By contrast with the affairs of Mount Albert, those of Mount Eden, its nextdoor neighbour, are markedly tranquil. The Mayor, Mr. E. H. Potter, and his council of 12 members are all offering themselves for re-election, but so far there has been no whisper of opposition. Two years ago the Mayor was re-elected unopposed, and his council was also reelected en bloc, with very little opposition. On present indications history appears likely to repeat itself. Speaking last evening of future policy, Mr. Potter said he and his council were standing again so that they might see to its conclusion the present programme of works. Roading and drainage were the main points in their ,policy. All the principal thoroughfares in the borough are concreted with the exception of Balmoral Road, which is now being laid down with that material. The surface water system of drainage was being advanced, this system being a combined one to meet the requirements of both the Mount Albert and Mount Eden boroughs. Tenders had been called for the work. Other improvement work in progress dealt with the'laying out of open spaces, parks and children's playgrounds. MR. G. BAILDON'S CAMPAIGN. ADDRESS TO ELECTORS NEXT WEEK The campaign in favour of Mr. George Baildon's re-election as Mayor of Auckland is now in full swing, and Mr. Baildon announced yesterday that he would take the platform next week for the purpose of placing his policy in detail before the electors. Blue and white have been adopted as the -campaign colours, and over 200 active workers are reported to be associated on the various committees appointed to support Mr. Baildon's candidature in various parts ox the city. Last evening Mr. Baildon visited his committees in City East, Remuera and Ponsonby, when plans for conducting the campaign were discussed and encouraging reports were received. The chairman of the central executive, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, said yesterday that in all probability the executive would not nominate a ticket for the City Council, but the committees would give their assistance to a number of candidates for seats on the Harbour Board and Hospital Board. THE CITY COUNCIL. TWO MORE NOMINATIONS. Two additional nominations have been received by the returning ofiicer, Mf. P. F. Notley, for the City Council. Mr. J. A. C. Allum is a retiring councillor who is seeking re-election, and a newcomer is. Mr. Basil Howse, of Parnell. Civic developments in Auckland from the foundation of the settlement in 1840 to the present time were reviewed by Mr. A. Hall Skelton at Epsom last evening. The need of the day, he said, was for men who would come forward to do the civic wofk of the community, free from all party and "ticket" ties. They "must be men who could devote some time to an examination of the various proposals that came before the council, and who would not say yea or nay without being in possession of the material required for forming a judgment. The men who had reached advanced years and whose sense of perception was failing should not wait to be compulsorily retired, but should give way voluntarily 1 to younger men of a more vifile type. CONTEST AT THAMES. MR. BONGARD TO STAND. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.! THAMES. Thursday. A representative deputation waited on Mr. W. Bongard yesterday afternoon with a request that lie allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for the Mayoralty of Thames at the forthcoming municipal election. Mr. Bongard said he would accede to the request on condition that the deputation made the endeavour to secure the return of a " good honest team of councillors " imbued with the sole idea of sound and economic administration in the progress of Thames. This assurance was readily given, all present forming themselves into a committee and pledging their support to Mr. Bongard's candidature. Mr.* Bongard is a member of the present borough council. He resigning the position of deputy Mayor months ago. The present -Mayor is Mr. T. W. Rhodes, M.P., who has served two terms. He has not announced his intentions. The other candidate in the field is Mr. A J. Whiteside.