THE COMING ELECTIONS.

West Coast Times, Issue 631, 2 October 1867, Page 3

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

TO THE EUKGESSES OF HOKITIKA. Brother Electors — You will shortly be called upon to elect nine citizens from amongst yourselves, in whoso hands (for good or for evil) the destinies of this important town for a considerable period will be placed ; aud therefore a careful selection from amongst the various candida'tes\is necessary. In reviewing tho proceedings of the first Municipal Council—much has been done and much has been left undone. The assessment at starting was made at far too high a standard ; and the subsequent rating of two shillings in the pound was enormously high, and which pressed very heavily on the majority of our fellow-citizens. But why was this done ? I will tell you : to bolster up the most extravagant salaries that are paid toanysotof municipalofiicers in New Zealand. And how have we been served? We have an efficient Town Clerk 'tis true ; but his salary, if not more than he merits, is more than we can at present afford. Then our lato rate collector — that was a bad choice ; many of our worthiest citizens tendered for the office, whilst a comparative stanger was selectcd,much to the amazement of honest men. Of his defalcations I will say little, he is a convicted felon, and the Council uo doubt have found out their mistake. Next, the changes in the surveyorship have been singularly unfortunate. The first choice of the Council was a good one. Mr Armson was a gentleman of unquestionable talents as an engineer, but who from a press of business was unable to devote his whole time to the service of the Council at a time when it was much needed for the improvement of the town. On his resignation Mr Sanders was chosen as surveyor pro tern, but finally set aside for the present surveyor at the advanced salary of LSOO per annum, a sum out of all proportion to our ability to pay, or his professional skill as at present displayed. What we now imperatively want is " Retrenchment." If the town is to bo improved to meet the requirements of the citizens, a far less sum must' r ,t>e spent in salaries. There arc competent men who would undertake the duties of Town Clerk or City Surveyor for L3oo' per., annum— who would carry out the instructions of the Council in a satisfactory manner; whilst a boy messenger, at 15s or 20s per week, would complete the official stafi necessary for Hokitika. But we must have practical men for the Public Works Committee — men who can criticise and examine all plans and specifications for town improvements. At present all is left to the Surveyor, and that ought not to be. The committee should first examine, and then, if approved of, recommend to the Council. Every new candidate should be pledged to economy. We are now entering on a new era of Westland's history. In all probability before long we shall be freed from Christchurch domination, and under the now order of things the depression of business so long and severely felt will have passed away, and Hokitika will arise from her temporary despondence like the Phoenix from her ashes, with renewed life and vigor — a model and an example to the Provincial towns of New Zealand. But to effect this, the best energies of the district must be called into action ; men of acknowledged ability and honesty must bo sought out to accomplish the high destiny which looms in the (not far distant) future of Wcstlsnd. It may be that some sacrifices may be required in the pursuit of wealth by those best able to serve us, but they will be more than repaid for their patriotic efforts by the debt of gratitude due to them — by the just appreciation of individual worth by Westland society. I am, &c, John Ceoss. Weld street, Sept. 30, 1867-