THE MAYORALTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 59, 12 March 1935, Page 4

THE MAYORALTY

LABOUR’S NOMINEE CHOSEN

MR. W. J. ROGERS IN THE FIELD The Wanganui Labour Representation Committee yesterday officially announced its endorsement of lhe candidature of Mr. William J. Rogers for lhe Wanganui Mayoralty, whicn is to be decided at the municipal elections cn May 1 next. Labour also intends to contest several s«ats on the City Council and on the various other local bodies affected—the Harbour Board, Hospital Beard and Wanganui-Kangi-tikei Electrical Power Board. Although it has been known for some weeks that Mr. Rogers intended to stand, official confirmation was not made until yesterday, the cause of the delay being to finalise the Labour Party’s nominee for the Parliamentary ■election. Pressure was being exerted to induce Air. Rogers to oppose Mr. W. A. Veitch in the Parliamentary field, but he declined that office and has decided instead to lead Labour’s policy in the municipal election. He was Mayor of Wanganui from 1927 to 1931, having been defeated in the latter year by the sitting Mayor (Mr. N. G. Armstrong). Through reasons beyond his personal control he was not able to contest the position at the last election, but he would be definitely in the field on this occasion. Wnacever might be the verdiet of the electors he could assure his opponent (AirW. M. Falconer) that the campaign would ba conducted in a sporting spirit. He reciprocated Air. Falconer’s expressions in this direction, which were made some time ago. No one regretted more than himself that in 1933, acting on the urgency of medical advice, he had been reluctantly compelled to withdraw from the Alayoral contest, but he was happy to say that the danger point had been passed, and that he was confident with many years of experience behind him, he could stand up to the strain of the Mayoral duties, should the citizens so honour

“Whatever may be the verdict of the citizens on May 1 next, 1 shall accept it cheerfully, and I do trust that those who are qualified to vote will see that their names are on the Municipal Roll,” said Mr. Rogers. He added, that he would shortly deal with the present Mayor’s recent statement as to the position of the city’s finances during his term of office from 1931 to 1735 as compared with his (Mr. Rogers’) term of office from 1927 •to 1931, and he felt sure that Mr. Armstrong would readily agree that there was usually an explanation lor most happenings. The Wanganui Labour Representation Committee will also announce within the near future the names of several well-known citizens who have agreed to com® forward as Labour candidates for scats on the City Council, Harbour Board, Hospital Board and Power Board, and with this end in view, a meeting of friends and supporters of Mr. Kogers for the Mayoralty and the Labour candidates for seats on th® local bodies, will be held in the Cadora Hall tomorrow (Wednesday) night. THE CITY COUNCIL PROBABLE CANDIDATES Pour members of lhe present City Council have announced their intention of contesting another election— Messrs. A. E. Halligan, J. Siddells, G. I. Jones and G. H. Trott, and it is understood that there are live other gentlemen who contemplate seeking the electors’ support—Messrs. E. C. Atkinson, Geo. Bennett, Benjamin Bennett. George Spriggens and Douglas McGregor. Both Messrs. J. Robertson and J. J. Scott, Labour representatives on the present council, will seen re-election and will be included in the list of nominees which is being put forward by the Labour Representation Committee to receive endorsement tomorrow night.