THE CITY ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20235, 20 April 1929, Page 16

THE CITY ELECTIONS.

Kir, —A more grotesque situation than that presented by tho Progressive Citizens' League would bo hard to picture in the political field. Having selected a "ticket" its chairman refuses to divulge the names of his committee or of those who form this body. He is afraid that to do so would "open them to attack. May I congratulate Mr. Spencer upon his nervo and suggest that a little more frankness on the part of this self-appointed body of "representative ratepayers" would help their cause. However, perhaps they believe in doing good by stealth. Anti-Arroga n ce .

Sir, —1 have read with interest the re marks of the chairman of the Progressive Citizens' Election Committee in the Herald with reference to the selection of candidates for tho City Council and other public bodies. 110 states that the qualifi cations of the candidates have been very thoroughly gone into, and the past services of sitting members have been re viewed. He further states that the selection committee (of five) had the "career and pedigree" of the candidates beforp it and it made its choice with minds free from bias. The only thing needful to enable the public to assess the value of the imprimatur of tho Progressive Citizens' Election Committee as a guide to (he selection of candidates is a list of the members of the Selection Committee, with their "careers and pedigree," to enable the electors to judge of their qualifications to adjudicate upon tho qualifications of the candidates. It is currently reported in the city that the names of the gentlemen in question are Dr. F. J. Rayner, Messrs. A. Spencer, A. J. Hutchinson, J. M. Melville and W. A. Phillipps. Notwithstanding the statement of the chairman of the Progressive Citizens that "It would probably cause a lot of worry to thoso who mado the selection and open them to attack by outsiders who have an interest in getting on the council if their names were disclosed," I am sure tho public would appreciate it if these gentlemen would havo (he courage of their opinions, and disclose their names. 1 invite them to do so. Ellen Melville. April 19, 1929.