The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Tuesday, May 23, 1967 — The Minister of Local Government, Mr Mark Patridge, today forecast greater participation by the Rhodesian Front in Local government. He was addressing the Local Government Association’s annual conference here.

The Minister said he disagreed with the view that the failure last year of many party candidates in local government elections was a defeat for his party.

Recalling the South African Nationalist Party’s experience when first entering the field, he told the conference: “I believe this system is here to stay in the two larger municipalities and that the Rhodesian Front should be assured of greater success in the future.”

Considering the wide field covered by Local Government municipalities, said Mr Patridge, “It is, I think, apparent to you that the central government must be able to command the full cooperation and loyalty in its national policies of the men responsible for policy in local government.”

Of the international situation Mr Patridge said Rhodesians were condemned in the world for policies which he was convinced were the only practical and reasonable ones capable ensuring peace and harmony in Rhodesian society.

The establishment of local government in the rural areas was proceeding with gathering momentum, and he expected a general pattern of rural councils throughout the country within 18 months.

He appealed to municipalities to adopt a long-term approach towards boundary extensions “in the knowledge that in the future they will not be free to extend them into a vacuum but, will be up against the boundaries of another local authority.”