VACANT SEAT ON THE CITY COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 9

VACANT SEAT ON THE CITY COUNCIL.

PROBABLE THAT KEEN * CONTEST WILL OCCUR

The vacancy on the City Council caused by the death of Councillor F R. Cooke necessitates the holding of a by-election, and Wednesday r July 23, has been fixed as the date when it is to be held. Nominations for the vacancy will close with the Town Clerk (Mr J. S. Neville), who is returning officer for the city, at noon on Saturday, July 12. If the parties on the council were not so evenly balanced a contest for the vacancy would probably be avoided, but in view of the present constitution of the council it is regarded as certain that both the Labour Party and the Citizens’ Association will nominate candidates. Of the seventeen seats on the council, nine are at present held by nominees of the Citizens’ Association and seven, including the Mayoralty, are held by Labour and independent members. One seat formerly held by the Labour Party is now vacant. The position, however, is complicated by the fact that Councillor J. A. Flesher, one of the Citizens’ Association representatives, is unable to take his seat owing to the state of his health. His absence reduces the effective voting strength of the Citizens’ Association to eight, and, if the Labour Party succeeds in retaining the late Councillor Cooke’s seat, important questions of policy may be decided on the casting vote of the Mayor. Under these circumstances, members of the Citizens’ Association feel that they should not allow the election to go to Labour by default, but should do their utmost to win the seat and thus assure themselves of an independent majority on the council. Mr Flesher hopes to be able to resume his seat at the council table in August, and as soon as he is fit again the Citizens’ Association will be at full strength. The Cost. The by-election caused by the death of Councillor P. W. Sharpe, which resulted in the Labour Party losing the seat and also its control of the council, cost the city’£s24 19s 4d, and on present indications there appears to be little hope of a similar expense being avoided unless the Labour Party decides not to contest the vacancy. Another factor that is influencing members of the Citizens’ Association in favour of contesting the present vacancy is that the huge majority obtained by Councillor C. E. Jones at the by-efection on April 2 is regarded as a clear indication that the electors wish the Citizens’ Association to have control of the city’s affairs. Another, point that may have been considered is that, if the Citizens’ Association wins the seat, it will be in a position to throw overboard the proportional representation system of voting. which otherwise is almost certain to be used for the next municipal elections.

The General Committee of the Citizens’ Association will hold a meeting next Friday evening, when the whole question will be discussed from all angles.