The Electors Of Aramoho

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 October 1950, Page 4

The Electors Of Aramoho

Sitting Mayor of Wanganui since 1935, the Hon. W. J. Rogers, opened his campaign on behalf of tlie Labour Party in the Hylton Hall, Aramoho, last night. Mr Rogers is again contesting the Mayoralty and is completing his fifth successive term in office. He touched on the Labour Party's policy for the City Council, Hospital, Harbour and Power Boards, making particular reference to the need for improving streets and footpaths in the city. Within tile amount of money available from time to time, city reserves would also be developed. Mr W. R. Turner, who presided, said it was the largest meeting of its kind so far held in Aramoho. Mr Rogers was given a very good hearing and, at the conclusion of the meeting, a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Rogers as Mayor, and the Labour candidates, was carried. Other speakers included Messrs R. P. Andrews. J. C. Batt, G. P. Hawkins, J. A. McFarland and W. G. Price, all sitting members of the City Council, )vho are seeking re-election. Whatever might befall him on election day, Mr Rogers added, he would plead for the fullest possible support for the capable men and women Labour candidates in whose hands the future administration of civic affairs could be placed with confidence. Dealing with Labour’s policy, Mr Rogers said that if re-elected he would advocate ratepayers being given ar. opportunity of deciding by poll whether the programme of tar-sealing many more miles of streets, and also improving footpaths, should be accelerated, or the present policy of sealing out of revenue continued. Many streets were badly in need of sealing and this has become even more urgent since the introduction of the new bus service. Within the amount of money available from time to time, parks and reserves would be developed to meet the growing demand for more playing grounds. Where necessary, additional playing areas for children should be acquired. This was essential tor the growing needs of Aramoho and other parts of the city which, by comparison, had few playing areas. HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION

Utmost consideration for the aged was one of Labour s principal planks for hospital administration. The party also stood for the maintenance and constant safeguarding of the highest medical treatment, nursing attention and skill, and also the best possible working conditions and wages for all employees of the board. So far as the Power Board was concerned, Labour would press for a continuation of a sound policy in maintaining charges for electricity at lowest costs. Labour would also seek as much extension of power as possible, and when more electricity became available removal of restrictions on its use.

Summing up his policy with regard to the Harbour Board, Mr Rogers said that Labour members of the board would advocate as much development and dredging as finance would permit. “If my work as Mayor of this city over a period of 19! years, embodied in seven terms of office from 1927 to 1931, and again from 1935 to the present time, commends itself to my fellow citizens, I shall be happy to receive a renewal of their confidence on November 18,” said Mr Rogers. “If, on the other hand, the citizens feel that the time has come for a change. I shall cheerfully and without grudge accept such a decision.”