The Waikato Times, THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE, AND KAWHIA ADVOCATE. Established Thirty-Four Years. THE OLDEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN THE WAIKATO. THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY DAILY PAPER SOUTH OF AUCKLAND. THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1907. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8186, 25 April 1907, Page 2

The Waikato Times, THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE, AND KAWHIA ADVOCATE. Established Thirty-Four Years. THE OLDEST DAILY NEWSPAPER IN THE WAIKATO. THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY DAILY PAPER SOUTH OF AUCKLAND. THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1907. THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

I Si:i.t'"M has more interest been evinced in a municipal election in Hamilton than was the case yesterday, both in regard to the ilayoral and Council elections. The energetic canvassing of the two aspirants for the Mayoralty, and the interest that lias been evinced since Mr Bettley's candidature was announced of course contributed very largely to the heavy polling, and another important factor was the division of the candidates into two distinct " tickets," respectively udvocated by Hamilton West and Hamilton East, This entered

also into the Mayoral contest, Mr Bettley being accepted as the champion of the claims of Hamilton East. Mr Bond's return was generally expected, and will be hailed with approval. During the term he presided over the affairs of the Borough he initiated a policy of sound and progressive administration, and had he been defeated at such a critical time in the history of the Borough as the present, it would have been little short of calamitous. However. in the hour of victory, Mr Bond's supporters can afford to be magnanimous, and may congratulate Mr Bettley on the large number of votes recorded in his favour. The result of the election of Councillors leaves little room for comment, except in so far as it displayed the approval of the bulk of the ratepayers of the policy adopted by the late Council, all the members of which, with the exception of Dr. Brewis, who ottered their services for the next term, being returned by handsome majorities. From the new Councillors, Messrs Fow, Bell, Tidd and Roche, we hope for material assistance to the Mayor and their fellow councillors in the work that will occupy the Council during the year. Mr Fow, who headed the poll with the respectable total of 4oK votes, no doubt owes his place in that coveted position to the fact that his name appeared on the lists of candidates whose claims were championed by each side. Although lie has not hitherto taken a prominent part in municipal affairs in Hamilton, he possesses the qualities necessary to make a useful member of a local body. The name of Mr Allen Bell was generally expected to appear very near the top of the poll. He has a record of service to the community in which he may well take pride, and public recognition of it on such an occasion was only to be expected. His election is a decided gain to the Borough. Mr 11. Roche, who displaced Dr. Brewis, has during his long residence iu Hamilton, proved himself to be a sterling citizen, and general satisfaction will be expressed at his election. The result of the poll does not materially alter the representation. Hamilton East has secured in place of Messrs Coates and Stone, the retiring councillors from that part of the Borough, Messis Fow and Roche, and it is well-known that the sympathies of Cr. Barton have always been with the Eastern representatives. The new Council is undoubtedly a strong one, and we have no doubt the Borough will reap much benefit from its operations.

PRODUCE FAKING. Aiti:xti<>v has frequently been drawn by the Press and exporters to the serious effects upon Colonial trade at Home by the operations of dishonest dealers in produce. There have been so many exposures of fraudulent practices in connection with colonial produce that the British public should now be on its guard against imposition. Such, however, does not appear to be the case, and the result is that our mutton and dairy produce hold a much lower place iu the Home markets than their excellence warrants. Dr. Chappie, of Wellington, who has just returned from a visit to England, told a reporter that he met some of the butter " manufacturers " in London, one of whom bought all the New Zealand butter he could get hold of, and candidly admitted that he made a veryprofitable income by blending it with inferior brands, the quality of our butter being so good that in spite of the adulteration a very platable article resulted. He declared it was impossible to buy real New Zealand butter in n shop. It was all snapped up immediately it arrived by blenders. He asserted that this was to the interest of New Zealaud, because the suitability of our butter for blending enabled them to pay us very high prices. The British public seldom tasted puie New Zealand butter. But the reputation existed among the blenders, and that was where it concerned us most. He expressed the opinion that we would prefer an opportunity of establishing a leputation with the consumers. Dr Chappie added that the same deception was practised with our mutton and beef.