The West Coast Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, 1916. BOROUGH BY-ELECTION.

West Coast Times, 7 February 1916, Page 2

The West Coast Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, 1916. BOROUGH BY-ELECTION.

1 hf. fact that a second vacancy has occurred in our present Council will tend in some degree to rouse the ratepayers from their legarthy in regard to borough matters. The niter indifference that has been shown bv some of our late councillors should conclusively demonstrate the need of bestowing the honour of election upon individuals who will bestir themselves in municipal affairs. Within a few days the ratepayers will be granted an opportunity of choosing a representative to fill the vacancy caused by Councillor TTannam’s retirement. The duty that devolves upon the citizens of Hokitika is of electing to the position of councillor a capable individual and one possesing independence of opinion and clear vision. . It is also necessary that the citizens choice should be one likely to deeply interest himself in tbo affairs of the municipality. There are many matters that require attention, many questions that it is necessary should be carefully discussed. Owing trt the state of the borough finances no works of a large nature can be undertaken. This being understood no scheme of any kind except the most necessary should bo introduced for discussion at the Council table that will involve the outlay of a large sum of money,- unless of course, the ratepayers sanction the raising of a loan for any particular scheme. The greatest economy, needless to say, will have to he practised, for the Council at the present time have very limited sums at their command. Nevertheless, there are many questions of primary importance that require full and careful discussion. Chief of these perhaps is sewage scheme for the town. It is generally admitted that some, scheme will have to bn evolved whereby an improvement upon onr present insanitary conditions can be effected. What

so.lu'iiip will ultimately lie decided upon is in tlie hands of the Council ; their decision will he awaited with interest. A system of drainage such as the larger cities possess is probably beyond our financial possibilities, but surely a golden mean can be discovered which will satisfy the demands of onr citizens and free the community from the contagion of microhm attacks. This question no doubt will be. dealt with by the candidates for the local honour. The lucidity with which this and other matters are handled should ho a deciding factor in the selection ol a Councillor. Ho amongst the candidates who impresses the electors by the clearness of his views on local questions, who realises the need for moderate reform in certain directions, and who possesses in addition intelligent of more than average quality and a sturdy independence of character is the man, for the position. We have often regretted that so few of our younger men come out in the interests of the municipality. Most of them are content to leave borough affairs entirely in the hands of the older citizens, whilst they themselves evince but little interest in local questions. This apathy should lie thrown off, and in its,stead a lively interest awakened. Young men possessing useful abilities aud the gift of expression should exercise these qualities for the geneial good of the community. A few years spent as an energetic councillor would impart practical knowledge, of many matters. Thus, the Council would become a useful training ground for business men, for by applying vigorously wbat talents, they have in furthering the town’s interests, they will benefit themselves by the acquisition of busi ness-like acumen and clearness, the town will gain accordingly and thus a happier era will have dawned.