WANGANUI CITY BY-ELECTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 85, 12 April 1940, Page 7

WANGANUI CITY BY-ELECTION

POLL TAKES PLACE TO-MORROW SIX CANDIDATES OFFERING THEIR SERVICES TO THE ELECTORS

Indicating that interest in keen, six candidates have been i wifi ch is to be held to-morrow t on the council. Enlistment fo N. Armstrong caused one vaca death of Cr. H. Lawrence. Polling will begin at 9 a.i of which will be at the Drill H at 7 p.m. and the result will I afterwards. Voting will be b leaving untouched those candid and striking out those against ballot paper, however, which 1( names, will be invalid. The six candidates have ex matters on the eve of the elect io BETTER ROADS AND FOOTPATHS Mr. H. H. West (Independent): “Having been in business in Wanganui for many years I claim to have a fair knowledge of the general requirements of the community. If returned at the by-election it will be my first appearance as a member of the Wanganui City Council. “Doubtless there will be many matters brought forward at council meetings of which I am not at present aware, but I will endeavour to give them careful consideration with a view to obtaining the best results. I will aim at carrying out a programme of progress, and will try to deal fairly with all matters for the betterment of all sections of the community. “I will make a study of the present administration and try to improve anything I consider would be a benefit to the majority. “The question of rates is a matter that will require much thought so that they can be made equitable to all. I am in favour of good roads and footpaths and these should be improved in the suburbs where necessary. FOR SOUND ADMINISTRATION Mr. R. J. Jackson (Independent): “In contesting a seat on the council 1 will strive for sound administration irrespective of persons or parties. “The interests of Wanganui will be my only concern and I trust that it will be the only concern of the electors. I have been brought up in trade union circles and understand both sides and will not hesitate to give my verdict or express my opinion. That is why I am standing as an independent. “Regarding the cost of running the i by-election, for which I and others i have been blamed. I do not know of a i better way to quicken the interest of citizens in the good government of Wanganui than by an election. The I small sum of money involved is not ■ worth considering when weighted against the benefits derived and not one penny will leave Wanganui, but will be spent in wages of poll clerks and printing. “I do not know how many people the two bodies represent who claim the right to nominate a Labour and a Civic League candidate, but I am certain there are thousands of electors who do not belong to either party and why should these people be disfranchised and have no voice in the election. “I have been a resident of Wanganui for 25 years, and came here to take over the management, of the Wanganui Sash and Door Co., Ltd.” CIVIC LEAGUE CANDIDATE Mr. A. E. Halligan, the Civic League candidate, said: “Having lived in Wanganui for more than 50 years and served on the Wanganui City Council for 13 years, four years as chairman of the Gas Committee and nine years as chairman of the Tramway Committee, I claim to have a fair knowledge of civic affairs in Wanganui. “I have seen Wanganui grow from a population of 8000 and have always had confidence in its progress and have not been afraid to spend money in improving and acquiring properties and I am one of the large rate prayers. “Iri view of the danger of erosion from the Wanganui River in the vicinity of Quick Avenue, I would favour the council acquiring land in that locality to widen Somme Parade, a work which I consider will have to be undertaken. If elected I will give the same careful attention to all matters brought before the council.”

municipal affairs in Wanganui is nominated for the City by-election, o fill two extraordinary vacancies r active service of Lieutenant 0. ncy, the other resulting from the in. to-morrow at 13 booths, chief all. The booths will close sharp )e announced as soon as possible y the strike-out system, electors ates for whom they desire to vote, whom they desire to vote. Any laves untouched more than two pressed their views on municipal n. FIRM SUPPORT OF LABOUR Mr. W. Searle (Labour): ‘‘lf, as I hope, I am honoured with the confidence of my fellow citizens on Saturday next, they may rest assured I shall give earnest study and faithful attention to our civic matters and will support at all times progressive measures brought forward at the council table. Naturally, I very much regret the death of Cr. H. Lawrence which has created one of the vacancies. He gave splendid service to his fellow citizens on the Wanganui City Council, the Wanganui Hospital Board and Wanganui - Rangitikei Electric Power Board, and if I am elected, as I hope to be, it will be my earnest endeavour to give equally faithful service. “I have been a keen supporter of the Labour Party for many years and can claim a practical knowledge of the requirements of Wanganui, and it will be my constant aim to promote on the council all those phases of our civic life which will mean the greater enjoyment of our citizens generally. Not only am I a ratepayer, but I well understand the needs of the people fully and Labour’s capacity to help and administer in national and local government is already a well accepted fact. ‘T should also like to remind, my fellow citizens that at the municipal elections in 1938 on the first count, I was elected to the Wanganui City Council, and was displaced in the recount by only a few votes.” PARTY SYSTEM OPPOSED Mr. Arthur Bullock (Independent; said: “Friends have asked that my name be submitted as an Independent candidate lor the Wanganui City Council. I believe that the party system, both in local and national government, entails the negation of democracy. Half of the revenue received by urban bodies is absorbed in interest payment. Can this burden be eased without injustice to any lender and without reduction in local social services? “As soon as the people realise the true function of democracy and the frustration inherent in party system, the answer to the above question will be ‘yes.’ “In any case, if my services are desired I shall esteem it a privilege to be allowed to guard the interests of our beautiful city. “For 40 years I have lived in Wanganui and I. know of no finer town either in or out of New Zealand. That is why I am willing to serve if the public wishes.” FOR WHOLE OF THE ELECTORS Mr. A. C. Ha trick (Independent): “My central belief in standing as a candidate is that the only civic party which should be recognised is one representing the whole of the electors. 1 From this you will see that I am not I in favour of the party system in civic i affairs. | “I have lived in Wanganui all my I life, being the eldest son of a former . Mayor. My election pledge is that I I will do all I can in the best interests of the people of Wanganui.”