1929 Wellington City mayoral election explained

Election Name:1929 Wellington City mayoral election
Country:New Zealand
Flag Image:Wellington Coat Of Arms.svg
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1927 Wellington City mayoral election
Previous Year:1927
Next Election:1931 Wellington City mayoral election
Next Year:1931
Election Date:1 May 1929
Turnout:23,884 (51.55%)
Candidate1:George Troup
Party1:Civic League
Popular Vote1:14,528
Percentage1:60.82
Candidate2:Walter Nash
Party2:New Zealand Labour Party
Popular Vote2:9,142
Percentage2:38.27
Mayor
Before Election:George Troup
After Election:George Troup

The 1929 Wellington City mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1929, elections were held for the Mayor of Wellington plus other local government positions including fifteen councillors. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

George Troup, the incumbent Mayor, was re-elected to office as Mayor of Wellington, defeating Walter Nash who was his sole opponent.

Background

The Civic League campaign featured support for the Kelburn viaduct project, imposing user pays charges for some city services (such as admittance to the Wellington Zoo) and limiting rates increases.[1] Troup defended his record as mayor. While welcoming scrutiny he stated that much criticisms of the council had been unjust. He stated financial loans had been successful and led to the completion of many public works. Troup downplayed the city's role in dealing with unemployment stating the main responsibility lay with the government.[2] The Labour Party campaigned on increasing the sealing of footpath and streets and the city actively providing relief work to the unemployed.[3] Nash criticised the new rating system on unimproved value. He stated that additional rates collected in the suburbs had resulted in no improvement in suburban infrastructure, with the money instead spent in the central city. He called for the council to immediately reduce electricity prices by one penny per unit, claiming the electricity department would still make a profit. He also said the council should carry its own fire and accident insurance.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Municipal Elections - Civic League Candidates at Roseneath . . 11 April 1929 . 22 . 167 . 12 .
  2. News: Review by the Mayor . . 12 April 1929 . 22 . 168 . 10 .
  3. News: Campaign Progress - A Labour Meeting . . 13 April 1929 . CVII . 85 . 7 .
  4. News: Rating Questions . . 12 April 1929 . 22 . 168 . 10 .