CITIZEN CANDIDATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27500, 21 September 1950, Page 4

CITIZEN CANDIDATES

Sir, —Your columns are being burdened with a great many uninformed or misleading letters on this subject. The Citizens’ Association was formed to combat Socialism, which made the municipal elections a political issue. It is, in short, a Citizens’ Protection Association. Because, as ’’ Father of a Family ” says, it costs money for individuals to face an election, the association runs selected candidates. In this it is as legitimate an organisation as the National Party. These are facts, and they speak well for the citizens who spend time, and money protectively for the ratepayer. I, however, who am a Nationalist, and believe in the democracy within the party, am concerned at the Citizens’ Association tactics in selecting Hospital Board candidates. Two, or maybe three, sitting members of the board have been unceremoniously dropped after years of service and untried candidates put forward. In what way have these board members offended against citizens and ratepayers? I venture to assert, in no way. If their crime is that they have supported Dr Moody, then why has he not been dropped also? But we know he has Been an able chairman with an able board. In this matter the Citizens’ Association has erred grievously against fair play and the best interests of the hospital, which is a serious matter. For more than 10 years I have given annually to the association. Even at the risk of causing trouble in its ranks, I must express my concern at its action.—l am, etc., Nationalist. [Abridged. Letters must be brief.—Ed. ODT.J

Sir, —Isn't it remarkable how many individuals there are in the community who are always against the decisions of any constituted authority? If the Government of the day decides to remove the exchange rate or subsidies, or to take a stand against the waterside workers, the Government is all wrong. If they don’t do these things they are equally wrong. If the city councillors decide in favour of trolley buses, the Albert street extension, raising bus fares, or a new water supply, they need their heads read. If the Citizens’ Association fails to prevent two non-Labour candidates standing for the mayoralty they loudly assert that there is something wrong with the committee. If they carry out the job for which they were elected, viz., to persuade good candidates to come forward and choose what, in their opinion, is, in the interests of the city, the best ticket for submission to the ratepayers, they need the services of a psycho-analyst. Perhaps I am not an individualist, but I do know something about hospital affairs, and I think that the present Hospital Board needs strengthening. Apparently the Citizens’ Association has similar views, so I say good luck to its selection of candidates.—l am, etc., Community Minded.

Sir,—lf your correspondent “ Father of a Family ” is attempting to put up a case for the Citizens’ Association he makes a very poor shot at it. He appears to be afraid of Independent candidates. I wonder why. It is still a free country, and so far, anyway, nobody has offered themselves as Independents. Then he gives us a lot of rubbish about too many doctors on the Hospital Board. Miss Roberts-does not happen to be a doctor, and if the association wanted to knock off a doctor why choose the one who g oiled highest in the last general election? ir North, if I remember correctly, was second highest in the poll. Does he suggest that a surveyor, for instance, or a lawyer, knows more about the Hospital than the men who work in .it? Lastly, his intemperate language about Dr Moody is discreditable and stupid. Seeing “ Father of a Family ’’ knows so much about the Citizens’ Association, perhaps he will give us the names of these gentlemen. I know at least that Mr A. C. Cameron chaired the meeting that gave us this splendid result. Let the rest come out and stand by their decision. —I am, etc Amused.