THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 2, 12 April 1927, Page 1

THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Taking the ballot-box as the acid test of general interest, past electoral: experience makes rather disturbing food for thought. It is a notorious fact that the percentage of eligible voters who go to the polling-booth is exceedingly small. Nationally, we had the spectacle at the last general election of being driven to the ballotbox, whether we liked it or not. This established a precedent and broke a bad habit. Unfortunately, there is no compulsion about municipal elections, and the need for loyalty is as great locally, if not in some cases greater, than the national issues that arise in general elections. Coming nearer home we have the Hutt as a very striking example. This district has forsaken its swaddling clothes for a more youthful get-about-town attire. It has virtually an endowment policy on its robust young life payable at maturity in the not-far-distant future. Everyone is talking Hutt. The settlement scheme has already sounded the clear call of a prosperous future. The trek is Huttwards, but-—we must have local patriotism and more of the personal touch, if we are to maintain the rate of progress which has carried the Hutt infant to fine youth-hood. In small communities we want broad minds, broad in the sense of thinking for the common good of our district first, other places afterwards. We want the personal interest in our own affairs without an excess of curiosity in those of our neighbours. The coming election here demands the thought of every resident. In retrospect we cannot shut our eyes to the past work of the Council, and if the improvements effected by the local governing body did not go as far as some of. us expected, we should perhaps not be too hasty in branding the Council individually and as the collective whole, with the imprint of derision. Arguing the other way also, it is clear that if we think that a new Council—and a new Council only can offer the panacea for all our civic ills—we shall take such steps when we go to the poll to have our wishes gratified/ In either case it is a matter for -the conscience. "In forming a judgment/ said Sidney, "lay your hearts void of forsaken opinions; else, whatsoever is done or said, will be measured by^ a wrong rule, like them who have the jaundice, Jo^wKbiftf every--thing*-app~eareth yellow."

As a last word on the eve of a municipal election which will play a big part in the future of a big district, let us urge with the English essayist, Sidney, that we do not look at things civic through a jaundiced eye, but with the full clear vision of impartiality, fairness and justice to ourselves and our district. If the rates appear to be high, we can rest assured that by a comparison with other boroughs they are not. Indeed, many places are a good deal worse off than ourselves. Then again we must not be too critical of the fresh loans that have been raised at a higher rate of interest than previousl". It is a fact that we are on a temporary crest of a wave of dear money. Certain it is that we must progress and race side by side in the competitive world. We have everything in our favor, environment, potentialities, civic youth capable of big development, and enthusiasm. Add to these the true personal touch, and the fact that "industry and economy will get rich while sagacity and intrigue are laying her plans," and we have taken the first big, bold, surer step towards the grand realization of our hopes.