LETHARGIC RATEPAYERS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 1 December 1927, Page 4

LETHARGIC RATEPAYERS

HAT are we to say of a body T of 4,196 ratepayers of whom only 343 think it worth while to cast a vote on a matter of most vital importance to a rapidly growing town? Can it be said that they have any regard whatever for its welfare and its progress ? These are questions that are raised when we look at the figures published to-day in connection with poll taken yesterday with the object of authorising the Hastings Borough Council to raise money wherewith to provide for an adequate water supply for a population of some 12,000, which is increasing daily. Here was a case in which not only their comfort and convenience were involved, but also their health and their cleanliness. Yet less than, one in every twelve of those en titled to give a vote on the subject trouble themselves to drive or walk to a polling booth.. Of course, those who did not go will say that there could be no possible doubt about such a movement being supported and that there was no need for them to trouble themselves. How would they have looked, however, had all been of the same lazy mind, as they were equally entitled to be. except the 33 that voted against it? Are citizens who are thus so manifestly oblivious to their duty to the community worthy to have its fate on such a question placed in their hands ? This poll is, we understand. the smallest that has ever been taken in Hastings in any matter of the kind, the next lowest, some 449, being in connection with the purchase of Nelson Park some seven or eight years ago. It certainly does not look as if the sense of the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship was increasing in the town. No doubt among those who were too indolent or indifferent to exercise the franchise would be found those who would make the loudest complaints were water in scant supply and rationed out.