Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News. TUESDAY, APRIL 11. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVIII, Issue 14659, 11 April 1911, Page 2

Te Aroha AND Ohinemuri News.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

This above a l ,l—to thine own self be true And it must follow as the night the dag Thou const not then be false to ang man bhalcespcare.

We are now approaching the date for the annual elecLion of Mayor and for the biennial election of Councillors. The occasion is one when we may remind citizens that it is a matter of duty to the town and district that tney should bestir themselves and take an increased interest in matters which are demanding attention in so far as they have a distinct connection with the health and future general well-being of the community. This year for the first time the

Council will be elected on a popular basis inasmuch as an extension of the franchise has given the vote — onlines similar to the Parliamentary register—to all adult residents (male and female) of the Borough, instead of votes being restricted to ratepayers as in the past. It would accordingly be in the natural order of things for some alteration in representation on the Council to be brought about if only in the interests of the new element introduced into the roll of electors.

From present appearances it would appear that opposition is not to be offered to the re-election of Mr R. E. Somers as Mayor. This evidently indicates that the burgesses realise that in the present Mayor they have a President, so to speak, who, during his extended term of office, has carried out the duties entailed upon him with commendable tact and ability. It is indeed a matter of congratulation both to the municipality and to Mr Somers himself that his services are to be placed at the disposal of the electors for another

term. With many important works, looming in the distance, to be carried out it is very fitting and proper that Mr Somers should be again asked to devote to the town the energy and ability, which has so characterised his administration in the past. In regard to the election of Councillors, a probable list of candidates is not so far available. It is expected that the six retiring members will all seek a renewal of support from the electors. Other names mentioned as possible “ starters ” include those of Messrs W, Norrell, J. D. Morison, and W.

E. Barnard, each of whom would bring thorough business training into the management of the affairs

of tl:e town. In each and every instance, however, candidates (whether retiring Councillors or new blood) ought without delay to put before the electors the policy they advocate for the future government and advancement of the municipality. The day has gone by for the election of Councillors o i trust or on personal merits. They should make public the policy they will support in the event of t.heir being elected, and the • electors should indicate clearly that they desire that this course should be followed in order that the declared intentions of each of the eand’dates should be carefully weighed before a decision is arrived at for whom to vote. Tc Arolia is practically only iu the making. Progress in other towns is the order of the day and Te Arolia cannot afford to stand still while other centres are forging ahead. Much remains to be done and can be easily accomplished with a progressive Council. With exceptional natural advantages, unrivalled possibly by any other district in New Zealand, Te Arolia could materially benefit by various town improvements being expeditiously effected. With careful and efficient management and development, it would not be long before Te Arolia as a health and holiday resort would stand pre-eminent iu the Dominion. The sequel would be that visitors would be attracted in ever increasing numbers from one end of New Zealand to the other, whilst tourists from over-seas would similarly be certain to include Te Aroha in their programme of sight-seeing in “ God’s own country.” All classes of the community would b me fit by Te Aroha’s fame being noised abroad and towards that end the burgesses should make it clear to candidates for the Town Council that a definite pronouncement regarding progress suggested is not only desirable but absolutely necessary.