THE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 102, 23 January 1918, Page 6

THE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC

Sir, —As a native and interested in the welfare of this city, I cannot longer resist writing re, the above. There is not one member of the council or its chief executive- officers free from blame in solving the milk question. Early last year the council advertHed for an expert, and evidently it even did not occur to you, sir, to notice the ambiguity, the stupidity of that advertisement. Applications were asked from competent persons, able to- submit designs in detail of buildings, able to submit designs in mechanical appliances, able to survey a suitable, site, able to submit a perfect ■ accounting system giving all costs and labour ieciuirements, and finally to be an expert in milk vending. Without stressing the point, how absolutely impossible it would be to find a man to fill such a position. He is yet unborn. An architect, an engineer, an accountant, rnd a milk expert—all life studies—and vet this advertisement went broadcast. Someone framed that advertisement and it was approved bv the council, who if fchev required advice would or should consult their expert advisers. The Engineer and the Town Clerk havo both a public and a private interest in the activities of the city, and surely this incongruous position was patent to them. What happened we all know to our dismay and loss. The building is unsuitable, the location ridiculous, tho appliances—well, they beggar description as to their suitability to handle the city's milk. If it were possible the councillors should lie made to bear the cost of this fiasco. But what ..about the new blood, who would shake up civic affairs?' Who would seewe get fresh fish and fresh milk? It ia tho same old story—vested interests I

—onco elected they find such tentaebj too long, overwhelming, and lr«y sink into the same old groove. I submit, sir. that if the council had taken this milk clearing house question caiefully, and the first week handled either one fanner's milk or tlje milk from one district or station, and that only till everything was running perfectly, and' then to gradually toko the balance of the milk, they would have found their every requirement and surmount" ed all the*difficulties. The vendors are not free from blame, having their businesses at stake, they were not ikely to assist the council, and this should have forewarned the latter. This was not my original idea m Writing vou, for it is usually an easy matter to find fault but not to assist, and to this end I suggest that during the next month or two an effort is made to resuscitate the debating societies of a few years ago. I can remember eight or nine, and then tno Union Parliament, where every public question was debated by citizens :Uid: much public interest instilled, whereas at present we seem to be under a spell of apathy. Tbe council should father the scheme as custodians of the people's rights and privileges, provide a 100 m, and actually have representation of one or more of their number on tho executive and tlras establish a "Civic Club" or a "Civic Improvement ?nd Debating Union," but only such a body that will be representative and prevent such a multiplicity of organisations; in fact, Igo further—it should embrace many" of the present socutws which are practically doing nothing to justify their existence. A very nominal membership fee and a very onen membership, good subjects of debate (or which there are plenty), a good chairman, an expert to give an occasional lecture, and immense good would result. "Citizenship" should ve the watchword, first and always, and {treat good would no doubt result. There is need to combat the cry "It :s wartime." and such a proposition is inadvisable nt present. Those who are at home should do everything in their power to make the home-coming of our warriors more like a home. I am prepared to assist in a"'v capacity, but my chief aim is "our city" and to wove to all it is "supreme a situ."—l am, i° lC '' ALEX. W. BARTON. I 135 Park Street, Wellington.