WEST HARBOUR BOROUGH ELECTIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20703, 29 April 1929, Page 14

WEST HARBOUR BOROUGH ELECTIONS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is somewhat disappointing that ilone of the candidates for election to the West Harbour Council has, discussed any of the subjects.that may be supposed to "interest the ratepayers. They all seem' so intent on. "getting there" that they apparently do not think it necessary to enlighten us as to what they intend doing if they should, succeed. ' First, there is the question of the ward system. Some think that in a small borough like this, with a gross capital valuation of about £300.000, and - a ratepayers' roll of -some 550, what is of. interest to one part of the borough should be of interest' to Che whole, and thati* therefore, the .abolition of the ward, system should at least have been discussed: Then there is the incidence of taxation; I am' aware. there is a considerable difference of. opinion ,on this subject.. While some favour the present system of. rating on the unimproved value, others cousider tlliat the system hinders, rather than encourages, settlement in the'borough. One. would like to know our councillors' views on this' matter. Nest, there is the greater question of amalgamation with the city. This is .. question that must engage our attention before long,, and the council would do well to give us a lead on the niattor. and an opportunity of saying 'whether--or not we desire such a change. Upon these ami other subjects the ratepayers would like to hear the candidates give their opinion, but So far they all remain silent. The members of the present council r-'ay be judged by their, past performances. They have pursued a sort of antediluvian wait-and-see -and let-things-be policy. .. They seem to have been content to allow £SOO of the ratepayers' money to remain in the Bank of New Zealand as a credit balance to the water account, instead of earning compound interest, as it could and should do. if it were' invested as a sinking fund. They are also credited with doing a great deal of business in committee that could very well be done in open council. Another matter which must prove a factor in the Rothesay Ward is the way the council treated the residents of Maia by the retention of the very objectionable rubbish tip at the railway station in spite of persistent protests. If the Ratepaj-ors' Association caudk dates had been selected by the whole association instead of by the executive only, Mieir candidature would have carried ;i good deal more weight. Nevertheless, there are one or two "live wires" amongst their. number who would have been selected in any.case, and who would, if elected, be a distinct ecquisition .to the council. Cast, but not least, are the independent candidates, one of whom is contesting each of the two wards. As they are not associated with either council, association, or clique of any 50rt...,n0 o . expects them to enunciate a policy, and with their recognised ability and popularity the;, are bound to score heavily next Wednesday. • West Harbour has alwavs been a boroug.li where, very little interest has been taken in municipal elections, but since the new valuations were made early in 1925. and since the advent of the Ratc■pa -ers Association, there lias been a general awakening among the electors, who have been looking'to a good deal of public discussion, which would enable them to cast an intelligent vote at this election:—! am. etc., T , , , - GRoriXG ix tite Dark. l\otliesay. April 26.