BOROUGH COUNCILS.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18804, 28 November 1932, Page 6

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

EXTENSION OF LIFE. THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL. “ A A'ERY AVISB MOVE." “ I regard the proposal to extend the life of city or borough councils as a very wise move, and there are very substantial reasons why it should be adopted," said Mr .1. R. FOw, who was Mayor of Hamilton for 13 years, when questioned by a Waikato Times representative on the subject. “ The two-year period has the disadvantage that new councillors in tiie first few months have to deal with the estimates for the coming year. The procedure is altogether new to them and they l'eel at a disadvantage, as the business is entirely foreign to tHem. In the second year they are beginning to l'eel more in touch with Hie requirements of Hie position, only to be faced with another election. “It may be suggested that the three-year term puts the councillors’ position too far from their constituents, but I believe the general experience is Unit the majority of the councillors are returned again and again, so that it only means additional cost to the. community running an election at such close intervals. "hit Hie plea nf economy atone the extension is justified; and I am persuaded that eouiicillors will appreciate Hie fact that (heir seals are not in jeopardy just when they arc becoming most used id. The addl'd stability giving added responsibility will lie ail to the advantage of llie ratepayers amt householders of the community.”