Rangitikei Advocate. TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1907. SECOND EDITION. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8794, 23 April 1907, Page 2

Rangitikei Advocate. TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1907. SECOND EDITION. EDITORIAL NOTES.

THE number aud quality of the candidates who are seeking election for Marton Borough Council tomorrow are sufficient to show that the ratepayers take a great interest in the management of Borough affairs. At the same time, the fact that none of the candidates have chosen to make speeches with the object of setting forth any particular policy renders it extremely difficult to discuss the election except from the point of view of the personal qualities of the candidates nominated, a courso which although reasonable enough in privato discussion is hardly suitable in a public journal. Of the candidates who have published addresses to the electors five—Messrs Broad, Gibbons, Hunt, Read, and Ross—take as their motto "Progress With Economy;" two, Messrs Lyon and Sntcliffe, dwell more emphatically on the necessity of economy and sound finance, though they also advocate the gradual improvement cf roads and footpaths; Mr Goile also, if we understand his German, favours progress and economy. The other throe candidates are well-known business men, but have-not published any statement of their policy. It is clear that there are no very pressing questions waiting for solution, and that the general desire of candidates is to study economy first of all. The present Mayor has identified himself with a scheme for a lightrailway to the centre of the town and with a proposal for the extension of the Borough boundaries, and lias devoted a great deal of time to the details of the schemes. Dr. Skerman is, so far as we are aware, uncommitted to either of these projects. The re-election of thejpresent Mayor would therefore amount to an endorsement of the light railway and extension schemes, though it could not be finally carried out without the approval of the council and a poll of ratepayers. The candidates for Council, with the exception of Messrs Sutclift'e and Lyon, do not offer any opinion as to the light railway project, and the latter view it with disfavour as involving a further loan.

WE), are glad to be able to publish to-day a somewhat fuller report of the speech made by Mr Beckett on resigning his position as Chairman of Rangitikei County C ouncil. Mr Beckett describes a state of affairs which reflects credit on all concerned, aud, though he does not say so, especially on the Chairman, whoso tact and good management are of vital importance for the successful carrying on of the business of a local body. Their numerous friends will join in wishing Mr and Mrs Beckett a very pleasant trip and a safe and not too long delayed return. Tiie departure of Mr - Beckett will leave a vacancy on the Council for the representation of Porewa Ililing. Mr R. K. Simpson lias consented to be nominated for the postion, and wo think it will be generally recognised that it would be a graceful recognition of his long years of service to return him unopposod. Mr Simpson has r f;a thorough knowledge of the business of the Council, and has the further advantage of having sufficient time at his disposal and of residing comparatively close to the Council office. Messrs Fraser and McGregor, the other oldest members of the Council, live at some distance from Marton, and their services would not be so readily available as those of Mr Simpson, who would be heartily welcomed on his return by all present members of the Council.