Public Opinion LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 103, 4 May 1938, Page 6

Public Opinion

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

Sir,—As I am leaving Wanganui to-day and will not return until the eve of the elections, I would like to take this opportunity of explaining my views regarding certain matters of interest to the electors. I have been nominated as a member of the City Council and also the Hospital Board. As far as municipal affairs are concerned 1 am convinced that the ratepayers and other electors are not fully conversant, with the true state of affairs. If elected lo the council, I will adopt the attitude that the people should be told trom time to time exactly where we stand, and let us then face the difficulties bravely and honestly. I have no time for any “Hush, hush policy.” The tramways are, in my opinion, the cause of all our trouble and although certain councillors have done yeoman service to endeavour to place the system on a sound looting, the position is becoming steadily worse - and the people should be told the truth out the matter. It is not a question of immediately scrapping the trams —but, for goodness sake, let us know exactly what this system is costing us, and if the burden is as serious as I suspect, let us analyse the whole thing and se« where wo are drifting to. It is a big question, but should be tackled courageously by the new council and see if it is not possible to inaugurate seme other system which can be run at a profit and ultimately provide a sinking fund sufficient to wipe out cur huge tramway indebtedness. Al though I have been ir ludeb in the Citizens' League Ticket I am now \oicing my own private opinions, and am prepared to accept the electors decision on the matter. 1 want to be honest with the electors and act in the same way, on their behalf, as 1 would if a were conducting my awn business. If elected to the council, i intend at ak times, to fearlessly oppo.t- an\ measures I do not persona'ly approve of, irrespective of party feZmgs—and gg my level best to see that the ratepayers get good value for every shilling spent. As far as hospital matters are concerned, 1 would like to idy that I will, at all times, endeavour tc see that the money a”ocated is also wisely spent—but 1 am entirely sympathetic towards the hospital staff. Both doctors and nurses a e doing a liurnitarian service. biome time ago, som : arson in authority on the Hospital hoard 0 1 p.'sed shorter hours lor the nursing staff, and showed little s’inpathy tor tbeni. I am of the opinion that evert hospital nurse is a Florence N’ghLnptdt', and the, give to suffering humanity a wonderful service ol sei'uacrificc, and endure long hours of cK Lous and (in some cases? unpleasant duties. I myself have been an inmate of the Public Hospital and ern speak wiih some conviction, v.nd I can assum the electors tha anything thal can be done to help to mage the Jo: of these noble servants a little brighter should be done. Trusting to have the confidence of the electors at the forthcoming election, and assuring them that, if elected, I will do my best in rthe interests of every class.—l am. etc., R. E. CUTHBERTSON