The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, MAY 26th, 1922. HELPING OURSELVES.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, MAY 26th, 1922. HELPING OURSELVES.

Tilk town in general and the Hokitika Beautifying Association in particular are very fortunate in having as President of tile Association so active anti enthusiastic an executive officer as Hon H. I- Michel. At tile concert at the Town Hall on Wednesday night that gentlemen in an earnest speech outlined the aims and objects of the Association. and the approbation of the remarks showed the public endoi sement of the views expressed. Air Michel believes in taking a pride in the appearance of the town. It is a good thing to do so. .lust as theie is a degree <f personal pride about one's appearance, so there should he a greater decree of civic pride about the appearance of the home town. The Beautifying Association in the few months it has been in existence has given a lead which should be encouraged and supported to even greater efforts. Ti.ere must b • nothing but feelings of satisfaction i t the changed appearance of Cass Square as a result of the attentions o| the Association. So with Macntldrew Squ.uc that is being returned to seemly atnl creditable order. The work litis cost something, hut where all have contributed a little, the money has not been missed, and there is a value to he recognised always in the work that has been done. Mr Michel said very rightly mat the Beautifying Ass.ciali. n could not finish its work. There would be always something to lie done. Repairs, maintenance and ini| lavements had to go on steadily all the time, i ml appeals would continue to lie made to the public to support ttie work financially. It is of course very good 10 have citizens taking th.s pe.sonal interest in the welfare of the town an . giving the lend they are to organise for the pleasant ornamentation of the town. The asset of good c.tizvnshi,! cannot lie over-estimated lor it is a quality with recurring value, and the town will reap the benefit all the time, it is in process of demonstrating itself. This degree of self-help has its own pleasant reward, too. T.iere is some satisfaction in the feeling that we are doing something to help the town, to assist our own well being. Mr Me cl hinted, too, that this desire to extend the spirit of self-help, should embrace othei activities about the town, s ~ i as Borough improvements. There is room for this. As Mr Michel rein rued the time is rapidly approaching, when, instead of hundreds, the visitors will stream here in thousands. The Coast will become a favorite tom i l resort, and Hokitika which is the headquarters for the best motor tours, mi st become a centre which will be greatly patronised. The town, its streets, its footpaths, its side channels, all need attention. Many streets are badly worn and getting lieyoud ordinary maintenance. The principal street should be tarsealed, both for the convenience of traffic and to save the dust nuisance in the chief business thorough fare. Money is needed and with the j support of the ratepayers a loan at rea- I soiiable rates could lie raised and these important works put in hand betinus and carried out now at a period when the district will lie visited by a certain measure of unemployment. There is plenty of scope for helping ourselves as a town, if the people are led and will co-operate, us there is every reason to believe they will, when given li <• right opportunity.