Mr. Seddon Deplores Apathy In Civic Affairs

Chronicle (Levin), 12 July 1949, Page 4

Mr. Seddon Deplores Apathy In Civic Affairs

The Levin Ratepayers' Associafon recently held an informal dis.ussion on town planning and bormgh matters general y. During the meeting, Mr. W. Seddon spoke on civic affairs, saying that he -wasvery disturbed ovfer the future few years.- ' ' It was a pity that citizens gefierally. did not interest themselves sufiiciently in. matters which vitally aff ected their 'own welfare, he said; and stressed the valiie of civic pride and the need for citizens being enughtened on borough matters. The association had put forward two cantiidates at the recent by-election with this purpose in.mind.' Afi the matters regarded as . important and previousiy dealt with by the association had been on the agenda for public meetings, he said. Other candidates had also spoken on one or other of the subjects previousiy dealt with by the association. -The election of two counciliors wefs a minor matter compared with the knowledge any of the candidates wished to impart to the electors, such asv a review of the financial position and administration of the borough, foothpaths and tar-sealed entrances, the1* supply and control of the gasworks and waterworks, thq proposed hospital, the co-ordin-at'ion of the voluntary services such as St. John Ambulance Brigade and Nursing division, parks and reserves, town planning, drainqge and sewerage and street lightihg. Mr. Seddon said he believed that the association had created much

interest in these matters, but had not" been quite as successful in. warding off a general apathy among the people. A disappointing feature had been that out of 2938 electors, less than 130 attended all the public meetings addressed by all the candidates, said Mr. Seddon, but it had been of interest to note i that 1445 electors had exercised their right to vote and this could be regarded as very creditable. "We know that citizens are far from satisfied," said Mr. Seddon. "We know also that it is easy to be cri't-ical. We know how matters can be rectified, but we don't know why electors generally do not display more interest -in their own borough's domestic affairs. Hit and miss methods will not get us anywhere' and neither will making a mockery out of democracy. Democracy has been bought very dearly by great human saerifice and we should preserve it whi!e we.can." In conclusion, Mr, Seddon recommended that an advisory council be set up consisting of citizens interested " and conversant with any special matter relative to borough affairs. The recommendation was supported and referred to the committee. * ________