MAYORAL ELECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18931, 28 April 1933, Page 6

MAYORAL ELECTION.

MR FOW’S CANDIDATURE

ATTITUDE TO UNEMPLOYED.

POLICY OF CONSERVATION, In «. brief, restrained address, entirely bereft of any criticism of the present administration or of his opponents, Mr J. R. Fow opened his campaign for the Hamilton Mayoralty in the Church of Christ Hall, Claudelands, last evening. Mr H. M. Baker presided over a good attendance. Mr Fow stated at the outset that it was not personal ambition which brought him to the poll after an interval of two years, but an appeal, widespread and sincere, which he felt he could not ignore. The people of Hamilton had been quick to show their ■appreciation of his services for the town and he could not resist a spontaneous request for him to stand. When he vacated office he determined to say or do nothing which would embarrass the sitting members. It would be patent to all that he had kept that resolve. That evening he did not propose to criticise any opponent because he felt the dignity of the position he aspired to deserved something better. Relief of Unemployed. Two factors had told heavily against him at the last election. Firstly, there was the rate of relief wages. Outlining the early steps taken to relieve the unemployed in Hamilton, Mr Fow pointed out that from the beginning the council paid out 12s 6d & day, with a fortnight on and a fortnight off. Money was borrowed from the Loans Board and the Government gave £1 for £1 subsidy on the labour costs only. The council had only a limited amount to spend, and wanted to do the greatest good for the greatest number. When the Government instituted the No. 5 Scheme —to his mind a very poor scheme —it was indicated that they would subsidise up to 14s a day. At the same time, however, the Board inserted a regulation that no local body could pay more than they had previously paid for that type' of work. He could see no valid reason why the Unemployment Board gave preferential treatment to the four centres. That was a matter for keen regret. It was a fallacy to suppose that there was more casual labour offering in the country than in the cities and there was no justification for a 6J hour out. Another anomaly -which should be removed was the standdown week. There was as much distress and-privation outside the cities as within and the Board should give equal treatment to all. He would, jf elected, press for the removal of these anomalies. In the various relief schemes he had the unanimous support of the then counoil. Anglesea Btreet Cutting. The second factor which affected him at the election was the Anglesea Street cutting. For some years the desirability of an alternative trafflo route had Impressed the Counoil. At the same time the need for some useful work for the unemployed was urgent. When the Maeroa bridge was in danger of collapse it was decided to build a oulvert with the spoil from the cutting. Not one objection was voiced to the scheme when it was placed before the public. Since the work was finished the traffic returns showed that from the utility aspect alone it was fully warranted. Most important of all the unemployed had worth-while work. He had told the council that It was essentially a relief work, and might not have been mooted for many years but for the plight of the relief workers of the town. Looking at the job to-day, he was satisfied it was a good thing for the town and would prove of Increasing usefulness. It had been rumoured by irresponsible persons, added Mr Fow, that he was seeking re-election for the purpose of removing Garden Place Hill. At no time had he ever advocated or even suggested* dealing with that area without consulting the ratepayers. It was absurd to' suggest at such a time as the present that such a scheme could be proceeded with. In the future some means of dealing with the Hill might be considered, but only when public opinion favoured it. Rumours Discounted. Mr Fow also strongly opposed a rumour that the removal of Garden Place Hill would benefit him financially. If anything the scheme would act to his disadvantage. However, he was pleased to be able to say that anyone who had known him over the past 20 years would regard such a statement as an unworthy fabrication. He had a much higher Ideal of public life than that and was persuaded that the majority of electors thought so. "This is not a time for any big policy of expansion,” the speaker continued. “Hamilton is fairly well equipped with modern conveniences and in many ways we are ahead of some of the cities regarding water supply and sanitation. Hamilton has been described as the best lighted town In New Zealand. We have no pressing requirements and the duty of any Mayor and Council should be to conserve what we have and maintain the services we now administer. What We Have We Should Hold. “Every avenue where there is hope of economy should be explored.” If favoured with the support of the ratepayers he would face difficulties In the same way as he had In the past. He would give every attention to the town’s requirements as he had in days gone by and he would he as approachable as ever he had been to any one who wished to consult him, without regard to their position in life.

“I feel that I can be of value to you, that my past experience should not pass for nought and that I am capable of tilling the position as tactfully and usefully as ever I did in the past," concluded Air Fow, amid loud applause. On the motion of Mr G. Clevely seconded by Mr O. Fruisli, a vole of thanks and confidence in Mr Fow, was carried unanimously.

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MR LAFFERTY’S CANDIDATURE.

ADDRESS TO ELECTORS. In furtherance of his Mayoral campaign, Mr C. Rafferty addressed a well-attended meeting in the Winter Show Concert llall last night. Mr C. parsons presided. Mr Rafferty reviewed the two years' administration of the council, and plained his objections to many of the council’s actions, lie considered that if all its proposals were carried out. the rates would have to he increased next year. it was his opinion that profits from the trading department should he spent on footpaths, kerbing and channelling in parts of [lie borough where this work was needed. The speaker was given an attentive hearing, and at Ihc conclusion of his address he answered a number of questions. Following these a resolution supporting Mr Rafferty in his candidature was carried unanimously.