AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ELECTORS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 112, 15 May 1941, Page 8

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ELECTORS

Never has the British Empire faced such a serious crisis as confronts it today. We in New Zealand, although many miles from the actual battle front, can nevertheless play a very important part in the Empire’s defence. To do this it behoves every man and woman to stand firmly and loyally behind our Government's war efforts. This is no time for party differences, but a golden opportunity to become a united people, pledged to go forward with but one aim, "Victory.” In offering myself as a candidate for the Council, I will earnestly strive for: (1) Unity of purpose. (2) Consolidation of what we already have. (3) Careful and considered expenditure in the future. Firstly, in simple language, I ask you to allow me to be one of the 27,000 people of our city and NOT “ONE” of a section of its people. Because this is our city, and I claim the right to work With you and for you to the mutual benefit of all sections. Secondly, we have in Wanganui a very beautiful city, one all can he justly proud of. With its reserves, gardens, and well laid out. streets, its Art Gallery, Museum, schools, and many other public buildings, also its beaches and river, the whole makes an ideal city to reside in. With a council imbued with the proper spirit these conditions can continue and every effort must be put forward to this end. If we have to make

sacrifices, it is better to sacrifice new undertakings sooner than let what we have already got slip hack. Thirdly—of the future? Your opinion may be as good as mine. Personally 1 consider we all have a very big job to do. It is no use shutting our eyes to the fact that very many sacrifices will be demanded of us. That New Zealand as a whole will be called upon to go through difficult and trying times, more difficult perhaps than she has ever been called upon to face before, appears to be certain. Because I bring these tilings forward, do not think me a pessimist. No one would accuse Winston Churchill of being a pessimist. His statements are sound commonsense and he has the courage to tell people the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be to swallow.

Well, people, I back Winston Churchill’s method and I make no fool promises of giving you this -or that if elected to the Council, for in these anxious days when the future war commitments of the country may only be guessed at, every form and item of expenditure and proposed expenditure must be put to the acid test. This I consider only logical and sensible. Today there appears to be a definite need for good sound leadership in Wanganui, and with this end in view and a sincere desire to serve you all I offer myself as a candidate for Council honours. Yours sincerely, E. W. MEREWETHER.