THE LABOUR COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22568, 11 May 1935, Page 10

THE LABOUR COUNCIL

TO THE EDITOR Sib,—-The more thoughtful of our citizens must view with dismay the Labour majority on the new City Council, as Labour in control the world over has in almost every instance proved a misfortune to the community at large. Christchurch, for example, has for years been a Labour stronghold, and has had a Labour Council to control its destiny, but the recent poll, with a crushing defeat for Labour, has shown in no uncertain manner the public estimate of Labour control. Our last council, with a majority of the more responsible element, was able to restrain his Worship the Mayor in his grandiose and ill-conceived schemes for the disposal of the civic funds, but this will now be altered. Looking back a few years, one must be impressed with Mr Cox's peculiar lack of qualification as a financier. A church in Wanganui was, under his guidance, induced to undertake a building speculation, and is now burdened with a crushing debt. It seems a pity that so many folk are unable to Drofit by the experience of others. Perhaps, however, a term of Labour administration will convince them finally that the city fathers should be men with a stake in the country, rather than the less responsible type. It is an empty tin that makes the most noise. —I am, etc., T. E. B.

TO THE EDITOR Sib, —I read with much interest the letter appearing in this morning's Daily Times signed "Watchman,"* in which he gives some reasons for the Labour victory in the City Council election last week. I notice that your correspondent gives particular attention to the gentlemen who stood as independent candidates, and there certainly seems to be something in his argument. It is to be hoped that Mr Charles Wilson, and his friends who endorsed his nomination will studiously read on alternate Thursday mornings the newspaper reports of the actions of the newly-appointed Labour Council and fully realise their responsibility, remembering the statement made from the Town Hall balcony bv Cr Jones after theresu't of the poll, clearly indicating which section of the community the Trades Hall intended to rule. Unfortunately, these gentlemen alone cannot bear the bjirden. but it will be shared with thousands of other citizens; in fact, I might say the majority of citizens, whose interests may be sacrificed by the new administration. —I am, etc., WATCHMAN No. 2. Dunedin, May 10.