BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1949 WANTED—MORE CIVIC SPIRIT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 2, 22 June 1949, Page 4

BAY OF PLENTY BEACON Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1949 WANTED—MORE CIVIC SPIRIT

Today a correspondent asks us what we can suggest as a possible cure for the apparent lethargy of Whakatane’s citizens towards such vital problems as housing. At the risk of incurring a certain amount of wrathful criticism of ourselves, we are prepared to agree, to a limited extent, with portions of his letter.

Let us say first of all that his implication that the Councillors are not altogether awake to their responsibilities is perhaps a little too sweeping. It might be unfair to expect them to take the responsibility of committing the Borough on any major policy matter without a clear indication of public opinion. That is the point where we can agree with both “Disgusted” and “Also Disgusted.” This town’s citizens should and could take a more active interest in its progress. That statement will no doubt bring down on our heads some indignant recriminations. We will have fired at us the success stories of the men who have built the business of this town. There will be vehement expostulations on the prosperity that surrounds us.

True, that is progress, and this town owes much to the men who helped make it the business town it is.

But let us pause and think a minute. Who are they? Can it not be said that the big businesses could not exist without the trade of the little man, without the help of the wage earner? Is it not fair say that these, too, have helped and are helping to make the pioneers’ dreams come true? In business there is co-opera-tion, amongst all sections of the community willy-nilly. Why should that not also be in efforts for the progress and development of this town in the wider, truer sense. There is no doubt that for a man with capital and ability this is a splendid place in which to make money. A “good business town.”

But, as “Also Disgusted” aptly reminds us, has it occurred to the average comfortably-plac-ed citizen to worry much about the conditions under which his less fortunate fellows are forced to live?

Indeed, has it occurred to the unfortunates themselves to make a move to get anything practical done about it? “Also Disgusted” asks us what we can suggest to awaken residents and councillors from their lethargy. Here is our suggestion : Let everyone who cares about Whakatane and its future welfare band into an organisation for the good of its citizens. Why not make up our minds that we will have adequate bousing, adequate power? Why not resolve that the progress of this town will be linked indissoluably with the welfare of its citizens?

Let us, then, form a taxpayers’ association, or a citizens’ association, dedicated to the real progress of this town, not for the benefit of the well-gilded few, but to help the many whose problems really count in the last analysis.