WHERE ARE THE MALCONTENTS?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 299, 30 April 1941, Page 4

WHERE ARE THE MALCONTENTS?

HOMELY straight-forward criticism, plus the Englishman's 'right to growse constitute the average persons attitude towards members of local bodies. Whakatane is no exception. If anything, we make bold to say that this little centre has more than its fair share of agitators, reformers, philosophers and. wouldbes, but that after all is a healthy sign, for it is the very antitheses of stagnation and apathy. But (and its a big BUT) there appears to be little or no desire on the part of the critics to come forward themselves "imd give a hand in the management of the town. There must be some independents, ready and willing to face the electors at the forthcoming elections. It is a right for which Englishmen in the past have fought and died. Surely the old proud spirit is not dead yet. If so. its a poor lookout. Whakatane is a fast-growing town. Its prospects are enormous. Surely the right to play a part in laying its foundations securely and well, is one of which a person should be proud. Just as surely the sideline critic who indulges m mud throwing throughout the year, but who at election time remains inanimate has forfeited the right; to criticise others who have the courage to come forward and do their duty. Local body work is no sinecure. Those who would serve must be above the average, must be prepared to gjve of their own time and substance, must stand endless criticism unmoved, must remain independent thinkers at any away from the council table, and above all elso must know how to take a licking! These attributes are by no means common and it is an indication of manliness of no mejan quality for a man to step forward, show his hand, announce his policy and place himself and the fate of his beliefs in the hands of the electors. Here is public .service of a high order. Whakatane needs such men and now is the time.