THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1935 THE CITY ELECTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 10

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1935 THE CITY ELECTIONS

In the near approach of the local elections is a call to citizens to bestir themselves about the contests for seats on the various bodies. There is no dearth of candidates; indeed, the nominations so greatly exceed the number of positions to be filled that some indefiniteness, if not perplexity, may be generally felt. This feeling should give place to a determination to cast a considered vote — a change of attitude attainable only by an eilort to understand and weigh the issues. These are important, for the civic business of Auckland is so great—as seen in its financial scope, a reliable index—that it is second only to the business of Parliament. This fact is created, in the main, by the growth of the city, which is reflected in the development of its environs. First in thought, therefore, is the contest for the city Mayoralty. Chosen as chief citizen for the time being, the Mayor of Auckland has a unique share of influence and responsibility: upon his leadership chiefly depends the efficiency of the municipal services and the consequent welfare of the municipal community. Three candidates offer them■selves, and their qualifications should be carefully scrutinised. One, Mr. Ernest Davis, has already proved himself to be as capable in administrative work as he is public-spirited. He has a long and creditable record in local government, and his consent to nomination has followed an impressively general wish that the ■sagacious policy directed by Mr. Hutchison should be continued by one of like aptitudes. In Mr. Hutchison's heading of the numerous nominees of Mr. Davis is a reliable endorsement of the latter's fitness to undertake the tasks awaiting the new Mayor. Of his two opponents, Mr. Stallworthy and Mr. Sayegh, it must be said that neither has given convincing evidence of a genius for local government. Each has served on the City Council—without making any signal contribution to the better performance of its duties. Mr. Stallworthy's term is easily forgotten and Mr. Sayegh's has not come at all into notice. As a member of Parliament and for a short time a Minister of the Crown, the former has not manifested any particular ability in finance, and his programme of social betterment, while laudable in its motives, is disquietingly lacking in requisite detail. "Until he gives proof of skilful and thorough understanding of the projects he alluringly advocates, his candidature for administrative eminence must be regarded with misgiving. Mr. Sayegh, apparently without special gifts of leadership, suffers from the serious disqualification, as a Labour nominee, of being pledged to a political party frankly bent on serving a class. There should be no hesitation in entrusting* the duties of the Mayoralty to the capable hands of Mr. Davis.

It is important also that the City Council should be so composed that it will equally have the confidence of citizens. To elect a leader for the council without regard to the calibre of its membership would be foolish. No matter how able he might be, his leadership could be made of meagre value if, for any reason, a majority of the council had little inclination to co-operate wholeheartedly with him. It is not expected, of course, that councillors should be unready to discuss critically any project put before them by the Mayor, nor that any of them, possessed of capabilities for responsible service, should be denied lull opportunity for rendering it in departmental positions. A Mayor of outstanding ability might alone administer well all the affairs of the city, provided he had ample time for the manifold task arid an expert and trustworthy municipal staff; but such an arrangement is quite undesirable, and the preferable alternative is support by an efficient council actuated by an intelligent sympathy with the chief items of his programme—not his echo-chorus but his voluntary colleagues in purpose. Bearing this in mind, citizens: will do well to examine closely the personal qualifications of the 58 candidates nomij nated for the 21 seats. "Tickets" | have been put forward —groups of i nominees, one group understood to i favour Mr. Davis for the Mayoralty, another pledged to Mr. Sayegh as the Labour candidate. It would be well, when considering these groups, !to pay less heed to them than to | the desirability of electing a council | highly competent and as free as pos- ! sible from the prejudices of partisan politics.

For the Transport Board's city seats, and those of the Harbour Board and Hospital Board, many candidates offer. In weighing the merits of every such candidature thought should be given to the special nature of the tasks of these boards. Each has to handle technical matters. Even the advice of professional experts cannot absolve them from responsibility for directing policy. In this connection the bias imparted by class interests ought to be held a disqualification On all these bodies there should be those prepared to make the interests of the whole community their care and able to bring to every dis-

ciission o:f policy a business mind. The Transport Board and the Harbour Board have to deal with problems in which complex factors are present, a,nd an aptitude for finance is desirable in every member. This may be a counsel of perfection, but at least it points the way that should be taken. On the Hospital Board, too, is similar need. There is good ground for the complaint that its administration has been neither far-sighted nor soundly practical. It is not enough to have pity for the sick and needy, estimable as this is. An infusion of new blood would do this body no harm. On all the bodies there are at present at least a few whose places could be with advantage filled by some others now offering their services. To get the best, whether old or new, ought to be the aim of every voter.