A MUNICIPAL PROGRAMME

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4299, 7 March 1901, Page 4

A MUNICIPAL PROGRAMME

The ‘Wellington Ratepayers’ Association lias learnt wisdom from its defeat at the last municipal election. For the forthcoming election the association has determined to formulate a policy, and support the men who will pledge themselves to conform to it. The platform just enunciated in part has common—ease to commend it. Tho extension of the tramway system is a necessity that, with, tho growth of the city, must loree itself upon tho municipal authorities. _ Tho present Mayor and Councillors are convinced of this, and a scheme has been drafted by Mr Aitkcm that would in tin's respect, give effect to ail that the association desires. Uncontrollable circumstances have delayed its execution, but the day is not new far away when tho Council will embark upon tramway extension, first within the city itscll. and afterwards to the suburbs. Although the question of the purchase of Miramar will occasion much heart-burning before it is decided, the extension of tramways to Kilbirnie, by way of Roscneath, may by-und-by alter the complexion of affairs. Moantime the Council may be expected to display a ‘'masterly inactivity” will, regard to this “plank,’’ and tho electors need not consider it a. live issue at present. The re-organisation of the present svstcui of carrying on municipal works is necessary as tho association points out; but it is open to doubt whether the reform proposed of dividing tho city into working districts, under separate overseers. would be cither economical or advantageous. Tho evils of the ward system, now abolished, might simply he perpetuated among working overseers in their respective districts. There is sound sense in the proposal that tho dlcctrie-lighting works should bo in the hands of the Conned, and doubtless when the electric tramway system is about to be installed by the, city, the Electrical Syndicate will ho reasonable in its demands. The purchase of the works for lighting purposes cannot bo considered for at. least four or five years, since the Corporation has recently let a contract for a lengthened term to tho syndicate for tho lighting-of the city. That the electric light ami power supply of Wellington will be in the hands of the Corporation ultimately there is little room for doubt, and all preparations ought now to bo made-with that object in vidw. In emphasising this point, the Ratepayers’ Association is doing good public service. The Ratepayers’ Association lias resolved “that tho Council should acquire the gasworks as early as they think expedient.” Even if thd company were disposed to sell its business to the Corporation, it becomes a. matter, for consideration whether. :u view of the acquisition of the Electrical Syndicate’s property and plant, the purchase would be a wise proceeding. The present City Council is not likely to consider tho purchase' of the gasworks one of urgent necessity. The Gas Company is only a partial monopoly, being kept in check by thd Electrical Syndicate, 'and tho public interest is thereby safeguarded. But when the latter is turned over, to the Corporation it may become expedient for the Gas Company to relinquish its plant at a reasonable figure. The Ratepayers’ Association ought not to retain the purchase of the gasworks on its platform, and probably when they have had time to roll or!. (ho members will sec that the proposition is ill-timed and inexpedient. Otherwise it is satisfactory to note that the association is exhibiting n lively interest in municipal affairs, and that it has adopted principles rather than personal considerations • in determining what candidates shall receive its support at the coming election.