THE BOROUGH ELECTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2450, 15 March 1909, Page 5

THE BOROUGH ELECTION.

ATTITUDE OF TRADES COUNCIL. THREE CANDIDATES TO BE NOMINATED. Amongst the business dealt with by the East Coast Trades and Labor Connell on Saturday evening was the question of the Council seeking representation on the Borough Council. Mr. T. B. Sweet introduced the matter, and stated it was necessary at the present time for the Council to make itself heard in municipal matters. Things had not been satisfactory, especially as regards sanitation, and the finances of the borough were at present in a deplorable condition. No doubt the present Council would let the finances alone, but the position would have to be faced by the new Councillors. Retrenchment would no doubt be a policy that would be pursued, and the Trades Council must see to it that the working man did not suffer. lie moved: “That this Council thinks it advisable to put forward a candidate at the forthcoming borough election.” Mr. Maddison seconded the proposition.

Mr. Williams strongly supported the proposal. Mr. Hall contended that if the wages of a roadman were reduced as the result of retrenchment, the standard wages of all unskilled labor would be largely affected. He further pointed out that lie thought they could “run” two or three candidates as easily as one, and suggested altering the singular to the plural in the motion. The mover and seconder expressed themselves as agreeable to alter tho motion as indicated.

Tile motion was supported by Messrs Cation, Old, Harding, and Petersen, and carried unanimously. On a ballot three candidates were cho-en as the nominees of the Council. The question of a voter’s qualifications was raised by the President, who stated that he understood that any person paying a total amount of £lO per year for rent of a room was entitled to a vote. Was not a lodger who paid so much for board and residence entitled to a vote. After discussion the matter was allowed to drop. The matter of a platform for the election was mentioned by the President, and it was resolved to hold a special meeting of the Council next Saturday evening to consider tho matter.