The West Coast Times. THURSDAY APRIL 20, 1911. OUR BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

West Coast Times, 20 April 1911, Page 2

The West Coast Times. THURSDAY APRIL 20, 1911. OUR BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

As will b G observed by the Town Clerks notifications i u connection with the Municipal Election nine councillors were nominated yesterday and were declared duly elected for the Borough of Hokitika. The apathy which has been displayed by tho ratepayers in connection with the Elections is not at all creditable. During the two year’s the old Council held office there were many croakers who condemned the administration of the affairs of the Boreiigli, but when the occasion aroso yesterday for taking stops in the direction of affecting the change which was very necessary accordiim t.n those who were continually prating about the illdoings of the 'Council—None of these critics came forward to offer their services. Ono of tlie candidates who was nominated at tho last minute visited the Town Clerks office to pay his rates and while there he was induced to accept nomination to complete the number required. This fact is mentioned merely to show what a deplorable condition of affairs exists. One . would have thought that as a result of the private meeting of ratepayers during the past week quite a large number of candidates would have been forthcoming. We have heard that the old councillors were to be voted out of office owing to their efforts not meeting with the support of a section of the community, who advocated the formation of a ratepayers’ association which was to affect all manner of reforms. The (Hectors responsible for the proposed reformation wero neither seen nor heard of yesterday. Of course it is only to be expected that those occupying public positions should be criticised but it 1 seems that the continual harping of “the man in tho street” who very often made much ado about nothing lias been responsible for preventing several of the, old councillors from seeking re-elec-tion. It must be admitted that with the limited revenue at the disposal of the Cmincd, a good deal has been accomplished, although at the same time there has been a lot of laxity displayed m connection with matters'pertaining to the abbatoirs and sewerage questions. However, more than one of the new councillors have expressed 'their disnppi oval of the manner in which oni Borough affairs have been managed and it will be.interesting to note what their advocacy will bring forth. There is not only a change in the personnel of the- Council, the office of Mayor being v r rw' a S en ß eln an in the person of Mr. George Perry, who lias hold more than one important public positum among them being Chairman of Die Westland Education and Harbour Boards and he was also a councillor for a term. The experience he has gamed on these bodies should stand him in good stead in connection with i of ,¥ a >' 01 ' wllich Position he should fall with credit to himself and satisfaction to the ratepayers.