MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20807, 25 February 1931, Page 12

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

BUSINESS MEN PREPARING.

CITIZENS' COMMITTEE SET UP

WATCHING CIVIC INTERESTS.

The initial steps toward the formation of a representative citizens' committee, to be known as the Auckland Citizens' Committee, were taken at a meeting held at the Chamber of Commerce last evening, when preparations for the coming municipal elections were discussed. The meeting, over which Mr. Sidney Takle presided, was convened jointly by the City Central Progress League, the West of Queen Street Development League and the Karangahape' Road (Business Men's Association.

The chairman said that in view of the present position of the Dominion it was necessary that some action should bo taken on behalf of the ratepayers. They rccfuired men oi honesty, ability and courage to represent them on the City Council, and to that end the three organisations had decided to work together He moved that a representative committee be set up, to be known as the Auckland Citizens' Committee. This was seconded by Mr. L. A. Eady, who said that so long as tho committee was thoroughly representative of all interests nothing but good could come of the movement. The motion was carried.

The constitution adopted set out the objects of the committee as follows: — The object? of the committee are to stimulate public interest in all movements directed toward the progressive development of the city and its surroundings; to select and support suitable candidates for membership of local governing bodies; to safeguard the interests of citizens generally by keeping a close watch upon civic affairs; to co-ordinate the efforts of all organisations interested in civic welfare.

It was decided that the committee should consist of equal representation of all membership bodies, which at the outset are to comprise the three bodies convening the meeting, the Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers' Association, Employers' Association and the Progressive Citizens' Association, with power to coopt the advice and assistance of nonmembers when necessary. It was alsc decided to ask the seven organisations to each nominate four representatives to servo as members of the general committee.

The meeting was then adjourned to a date to be fixed when the nominations have been received. Messrs. R. Hill and I. Meltzer will act as joint secretaries temporarily.