RE IMPROVING OUR TOWN

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 645, 28 June 1921, Page 7

RE IMPROVING OUR TOWN

(To the Editor,)

Sir Having read with interest the article contained in your paper of the 11th inst., viz., the proposed formation of an Expansion League, I beg to commend the writer of same for the able manner in which he explained the objects of the above proposals, and to congratulate the town on the progressive move taken in the formation of the nucleus of societies for the formation and growth of your district, and the uplifting of the Dominion generally. Dealing with the first proposal, viz,, the formation of the Expansion League. The endeavour of such a society would tend to influence the opening up of and improvements of country lying outride the town boundaries ; endeavouring to acquire facilities for railage of farm produce, implements, etc. as well as making easier access to fross. the towns in the interests of the education and commerce _ pertaining to our farming community in general, and furthering the opening up of new country, thus assisting in the development and progress of the Dominion. One plank of your platform should constitute the greatest endeavour towards the progress of the proposed hydro-electric schemes, which would in many ways tend towards the prosperity of the genera] public, both in town and country. Re town planning and beautifying society. This certainly is a move in the right direction, as the continued endeavours at the improvement of the private properties, as well as those pertaining to the streets, reserves, etc., the properties of the municipal authorities. These besides having a beautifying effect, would also tend to increase the values of public and private property, and from a health point of view, would, through the constant overhauling and renovation of premises, etc., be a decided impiovement. Further, the formation, as suggested or aimed at, of a library in conjunction with this society ? would have a good effect on the public towards increasing the interest taken in the orpposed garden competitions, tending to lead competition along more scientific lines in their endeavours.. I now come, sir, to the last proposal, vis., arts, crafts society, in which I especially commend your town in the proposal to introduce such a means towards the uplifting of the your people and the furtherance of knowledge, which can only be imparted along the channels provided by the study and practice of arts and crafts. Here in the South Island we have societies » which have proved a boon, not only to the members of the societies, but a great pleasure to the public generally. The influence of such a society would certainly have an elevating influence, especially in regard to the younger members of the community, as their time would be, to some extent, expended in the study and practice of those higher things associated with the existance of an Arts, Crafts Society. I am sure the formation of sucK a society would be a step in the right direction. I am, etc. t

Fj r. brown.

St. Kilda, - Dunedin