THREE MAIN PROBLEMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 25, 21 April 1927, Page 8

THREE MAIN PROBLEMS

MR. BLOODWORTH’S PLATFORM

“The first and foremost plank of my platform Is the Greater Auckland policy,” said Air. Bloodworth in the Epsom Library, where he continued his election campaign for mayoral honours last night. The three main problems with which the council would have to deal during the forthcoming term were:—An endeavour to restore the confidence of the people of Auckland in the City Council, transportation and water supply. • There are those who talk glibly of the formation of water boards and transport boards, without consideration of what is involved in such a step.” “The Electric-Power Board (of which Mr. Bloodworth is a member) has enjoyed an absolute monopoly and had been a success,” he went on. “It is quite wrong to assume, as some do, that because the Power Board has been successful, a water board and a transportation board would be equally so."

Auckland includes seven of the 38 town districts in New Zealand, and five of the 23 road districts, and yet, according to figures which the speaker quoted, the city's municipal debt amounts to over six millions of the total 23* millions for the Dominion. Other figures went to show that the council, during the next four years, would have to pay off loans amounting to £505.550. To meet this there was only £65,809 provided by the sinking fund.

Air. Bloodworth is not in favour of raising the rates, he says, nor is he an advocate of higher tram fares. He hopes to popularise the trams so as to bring in increased revenue. "I am a candidate because I think I understand the problems and their solution better than any of the three candidates who are before you,” concluded Air. Bloodworth. "Two of the candidates have had their opportunity, one as mayor, and one as de-puty-mayor, and I submit they have failed. The other candidate has had no experience of local government, and his method of propaganda show clearly that he has but very little idea of what is required to fill the office.”