The Waipa Post. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1920. Published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. LOCAL BODIES' ELECTIONS.

Waipa Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 1009, 21 October 1920, Page 4

The Waipa Post. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1920. Published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. LOCAL BODIES' ELECTIONS.

THE elections of county councillors for another term are to be held next month, and it is well that thought be immediately given to the selection of candidates for this important office of local administrative control. It is certain that the councils of the immediate future will have to deal with many problems which are almost without precedent .and for the treatment of which initiative and determination will be required. Following a large accumulation of work during the war period, the first years of peace have been largely influenced by abnormal conditions.' There .are evidences that new' difficulties are sure to arise, and these will severely test those who control the public destinies. Apart altogether from the financial and economic conditions, there is the .certainty that the requirement of the future will be largely different from' that which we have been accustomed to in the past. The reading system 1 has to he planned for an entirely new traffic requirement, and a large expenditure will require to be contemplated), so that the new class of haulage may be provided for. The self-propelled vehicle, which is proving an economy in modern use, must have a well-consolidated road surface, and that, in turn, brings the need of a new type of road. Many whose past experience in local body procedure qualifies them to straightway deal with the new conditions and requirements will not again be offering their services to the public, and it is timely that consideration be given to the selection of those who are to take up the reins of office. Of particular concern to this locality is the election of hospital representatives next month. In the past but little thought has been given to this office by the majority of the voters, but recent experience has proved that the administration of the affairs of the public hospitals is of direct concern to the people. The provision of a motor ambulance for this district, which has been the subject of much resultless negotiation, is an instance of how the public desire and the actions of the Board can come into conflict. So far as Waikato is concerned, the present Board's policy is to concentrate the whole hospital 'facilities in Hamilton—<a policy which has not the approval of the Minister of Public Health, who recently stated that the contributing districts had a just right for reasonable facilities. Th election next month will demonstrate how far the Board's policy is endorsed by the people, who, as contributors to the hospital revenues, have the opportunity to decide through the-, election of representatives how those revenues shall be expended.