THE WARD SYSTEM.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13594, 14 May 1908, Page 2

THE WARD SYSTEM.

To the Editor of the " Timaru Herald."

■Sir,—lt might be of interest to your correspondent '" Progress" and some of your readers to know that the system of dividing the borough in wards was initiated about -25 years ago, by a very meddlesome busybody called Cowburn. Cowburn took the trouble' to canvass the town with a petition in favour ■ of the division and through the indifference and want of interest it got established. Mr. Cowbura shortly after took his departure from Timaru quite suddenly. I have always looked upon the division of the borough in wards as 'unnecessary • and against the progress of thei town, f shall be verv pleased when they are abolished. —I ani, etc., EX-COUNCILLOR.

Sir, —I read with interest the letter in this morning's " Herald" signed "Progress" with your footnote, and I agree, with him that the ward system is antiquated and unnecessary. The statement given by y\>u shows that the representation of thei>e wards, (two members to each) is very unequal and unfair both from a population and annual value basis. As an example take the cases of the north-east and south-west wards. The annual value of the former is almost £40,000 and the latter £5600. In other words the north-east ward has over 11 times the value of property (and pays rates in the same ratio) more than the x south-west ward and yet both have the same representation ob the Council. This in my opinion h absurd. It do not wish to depreciate the work done by, the present Councillors; no doubt they have done the best they could, and have filled the chairs when there was difficulty in getting aspirants to come forward. 1 am sure, should the wards be abolished it would induce more candidates to come td the front for thee© municipal honours, as the voting would be decided by the electors, of the whole borough. The present ward system, must have a tendency to* make Councillors look oipon municipal affairs in a parochial narrow spirit. AH the progressive towns in the north arid south have the undivided system and I have also noticed that the number of Councillors in their Councils in many cases is only nine' against Timaru's dozen. I also notice especially -up north, that every vacancy in the Council or the annual election of Mayor and Councillors is hotly and keenly contested by the, many candidates who offer their services to the public. The list of figures for the" different works set down in the estimates for this year by the Council last night, shows that our municipal business is expanding and assuming large proportions and requires to be handled by men experienced in business. In my opinion the time is ripe for reform in the system of election of Councillors.—-I am, etc., ' •UNDIVIDED.