The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1907. A CITIZENS’ LEAGUE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2051, 30 November 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1907. A CITIZENS’ LEAGUE.

When the visiting judges at t-lio recent A. and 'P. Show were responding to the -toast of their health at a smoke concert in the Farmers’ Club, they took the opportunity to declare unanimously, and with apparent sincerity, that the country in the vicinity of Gisborne was the finest they hud seen in any part- of the Dominion. Allowing something for the enthusiasm of guests, who possibly thought .a nicely-turned compliment an excellent return for hospitality, the fact remains that the people of this district have -men marvellously favored both in regard to -soil and climate. Now that settlement is slowly hut surely going ahead, the -fact is tjaily .becoming evident to the dullest imagination that there is a splendid future ahead of the -Poverty Bay district-, and if this means anything at all ’C means that Gisborne has an unrivalled opportunity to -become one of the, chief centres of the Dominion. It remains ito be seen whether or not the people of the town have 'the discernment to see that opportunity and the energy -to utilise it-. If they fail* undoubtedly a great deal of the business which naturally belongs to them will he diverted to other sources, and future generations will curse the apathy of their ancestors. For some time past we have lost no opportunity of reminding our readers of tlie urgent necessity that exists for the formation of a Citizens’ League, having for its object itlio attraction of population to this town and district, mud it is pleasing to note that there is a prospect of the matter being .taken up by the gentlemen who have already done very valuable work in connection .with the Harbor project. Obviously tho first duty of a Committee or League hiving such Objects in view would be to make ‘known, to the people in other parts of the Dominion and in Australia what advantages are offering in this district. Unfortunately we have been so backward in •regard to public .matters that tho citation of nature’s gifts would almost exhaust out list of attractions. However, these are potent enough to act as a powerful magnet if projierly presented. The next step is •to remove as quickly as possible the many disadvantages under which the town and district suffers. IVe shall never make much headway in the building up of mil East Coast capital city until we have an efficient harbor. The water supply system must immediately be followed liy ;n drainage system. A town that is quoted all over the country as being without drainage and having the worst roads in the Dominion is scarcely likely to attract anyone who is not. absolutely forced for other reasons to become one of its citizens. AYlicii these matters were discussed last -evening, one of the speakers expressed a fear that constitutional apathy oil the part of Gisborne people’ where public matters are concerned would prevent anything .from being done, but wo are inclined to think that a good deal of the blame rests not so .much with the people as with our public men. In the p.ist they seem to have -Lacked itibalfc indefinable something which appeals to the public mind. What is chiefly wanted in this present matter is, as Mr. Adair pointed out, an organisation in which all shades of opinion are represented. This is certainly a very necessary essential, ,fo" mil narrowing influences should be rejected, and the scheme placed upon such a ■broad basis that- it would not provoke the antagonism of those who are at .present wedded to particular lines of action. There would be no interference with tlie work of existing institutions, such as the Harbor Committee or the Railway League. Tlie new body would have as its specific watchword “Advance Gisborne!” and would take up work that is at present being neglected. -A “Ten Thousand League” —to suggest a name —having for its avowed object the raising of tlie

population of Gisborne to 10,cud, -would Lin mil probability meet with a ready .response. Every business firm in tlie'.town would have cause to support It-, with its promise of increased brad'eT and every ratepayer would welcome the prospect of the iinmiiy added conveniences that would come with the increased revenue from such a population. 1/t could, of course, give assistance, when this was considered advisable, to the work of sucli other bodies as those just referred to. The functions of a Chamber of -Commerce would be included within its scope, yet it would"have a wider sphere of action ami a membership representing all classes, in some way or other tlie younger section of the community must bo interested, for there is nothing Hike tile enthusiasm and energy of youth ito help in the pushing along of important projects. In the past there has been too marked a disposition to associate grey hairs as tlie necessary accompaniment of wisdom. Tho experience of the older hands is invaluable, and combined with the vigor of the young i\ew Zealander is capable of producing any results (that may be desired. Once more me appeal to the people of Gisborno to recognise tho great : opportunities that are theirs and to •prove themselves worthy of them.