LOCAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 517, 11 October 1890, Page 2

LOCAL ELECTIONS.

The number of important elections that are to take place within the next few months is quite bewildering, coming at a time when the great labor difficulty and the general election ' engross so much attention. Instructions have been issued for an election to fill the vacancy on the Harbor Board caused by the retirement of Mr Bennett. The general' election takes place in February, but the by-election itself should be carefully watched by ratepayers. Mr O’Connor’s report will be presented in a few days, and the future of the district will greatly depend on the action that is taken concerning that report. If it is issued before the nominations the town ratepayers will perhaps have an opportunity to signalise their feelings in the- matter by electing a candidate whose views oh the special subject meet with their approval. We believe that the report will hold out good hopes of utilising the present structure. Whatever is done in the near future, if there be anything done, should only be entered into with the greatest care to avoid bickerings and heartburnings which serve to bring so much discredit upon the district. The Cook County Council election takes place on November 12, and in at least one riding, the Waimata, canvassing has already begun. The division of the County should in no way lessen the interest in the work. It also presents sonl e phases that require to be intelligently' dealt with. The election of Mayor takes place in less than seven weeks’ time. That office is now very satisfactorily filled by Mr Townley, who twill probably be again returned without opposition. It has often been pointed out that no gentleman should be given what has been termed .a “ monopoly ” of this office, but Mr Tqwnley was elected in the case ef an extraordinary vacancy, and if his discharge of the duties is deemed satisfactory—as everyone is pleased to testify—he is fairiy.[entitled m re-election