TOLERANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 102, 20 December 1939, Page 4

TOLERANCE

WITH the approach of Christmas, and with the spirit of goodfellowship abroad it seems a favourable time to take stock of the life in our small community and to note among our many virtues and advantages some of the shortcomings and failings of our own making which have grown into part and parcel of our daily existance. The lapse of the activities of the Chamber of Commerce, is largely due to apathy, yet we feel that the introduction of a little voleiance in this connection would make for a better, wider understanding and the ultimate progress of the town. Whakatajie needs the activities of a body of businessmen more than most towns, for its rapid growth has made it impossible to cope with the numerous requirements which are demanded of a modern, progressive centre. The inclusion of the Pa, a project which is glaringly necessary for the benefit of the town and the inhabitants of that section is meeting with opposition and protest. A little co-operation is necessary, a little toleration of the other fellow's point of view. Broadly speaking no one can deny that the introduction of the Borough amenities to this neglected area could be otber than a Godsend.. Again we have the picture of the Munici pal Band, languishing for want of encouragement. Enthusiasm and interest can be infused only by pulling together and providing a pride and loyalty to the institution which is undeniably an asset of which the town should be proud:. The progress of the finest seaside resort in the province is arrested simply because two antagonistic bodies formed among the residents refuse to qo-operate, and have in themselves, been steadily falling into decay. Ohope needs the joint interest of all parties, and the pooling of resources in the common cause would work wonders for the beach and for the town it all but adjoins. There are other instances where the failure of the word "toleration" and its application in the affairs of Town and District has meant a distinct loss to the community. Progressive movements have been cut off in the face of petty and selfish disagreements- Thriv ing institutions have fallen to pieces under the process of internal splits and misunderstanding. Sports organisations have died and disintegrated because of the complete lack of support and the disinterestedness of the general public. Loyal workers have become disgruntled and given up the job in disgust owing' to the lack of effort on the part of others and the habit of thrusting all the- work upon their willing shoulders. Thus, on the eve of Christmas, it might be a suitable time to bring these matters to the fore, and as the BEACON intends to pursue them in the New Year, to lay them before the public in the hope that in spite of the troubled world overseas, Whakatane at least will attempt to put its own house in order and during the foithcoming year cultivate and recognise more, the kindly spirit of toleration in the interests of all.