OUR CIVIC PRIDE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 42, 21 January 1944, Page 4

OUR CIVIC PRIDE

WHEN the first meeting of the Whakatane Chamber of Commerce for the new year lapses because of its inability to muster the requisite, quorum and when time after time organisations or appeals are assisted and fostered by the same old band of willing horses, who have been mainly responsible for the progress of the town's social and administrative side for years we can safely say that foi the bulk of Whakatane citizens, their sense of civic pride and responsibility are—dead. It is an unsavoury fact that the most substantial businessmen of this town are seldom seen taking an active part in its progress,, its sporting or its social obligations. Acres of ragwort infested properties bear witness to the nonchalance of property owners whose example should be a lesson to the town. The slogan of the average businessman of Whakatane appears to be to get as much money out of the place as possible and to allow others with far less stake in the town to do the mam aging and maintenance for them. It is of course recognise ed that many businessmen who apparently are doing nothing to assist the town's interests,., are in effect accomplishing far more behind the scenes than many who are working in the limelight of public affairs. On the other hand we are carrying a substantial section whose interests begin and end within the four sides of the premises which bring them in returns. This attitude is amply illustrated by the history of the Chamber of Commerce when within two months two meetings have fallen through for indifference, apathy and lack of interest on the part of its one: hundred and three members. Such public lethargy and selfishness not only has a detrimental effect upon the spirit and atmosphere of the town, but its continued repetition kills any higher sense of duty and community-mindedness in any person who formerly possessed it. We have no apologies to make in writing in this vein, and can only trust that our criticism will strike home where the cap fits the individual.