(And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1924 OUR TOWN.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1924, Page 2

(And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1924 OUR TOWN.

T- is not expecting too much from the people to ask thorn to co-operate heartily with the authorities in the task of advancing civic interests. The Borough Council is moving alertly in regari. to several matters, and any call upon the citizens for increased revenue through legitimate channels should ln-.t be disregarded. The Council is asking for a revaluation of the town, and it is setting about obtaining more value f;om its reserves. The town is dotted all over with reserves which the founders of the place wisely set aside ns endowments. It is not. too much t« say that the Council has not been receiving all it should from that source of income. Easy going conditions have obtained, and the position has been allowed to drift. At the moment there is a stringency in funds, and a review of possible sources of income reveal an inadequate return from these reserves. It seems a fair proposition to have the reserves valued, and the rental based osu percentage of the values. This is a uniform system, and once introduced

will he fair to all without favor to any. Those in possession have the first refusal of the improved title which can now be given, and on surer ground no one need begrudge paying a fair rental for the benefit of the community as a whole. During the Exhibition period. Hokitika won u reputation which it should he at some pains to maintain. It is not sufficient to pull down the Exhibition buildings, speculate on the all-round success and do nothing more; rather should the people be spurred, now that the town is popularised and advertised, to see that it lives up to the reputation it lias won. One way would he to set about the systematic improvement of the streets and lootpaths. The town is wide-spreading and lengthily roatled, and efficient upkeep will cost money. The local revenue under the restricted rating values is vuj limited, and there must he more expansion of the rating values in keeping with ruling prices and the prosperous air about the place. The citizens can help with their moral support to tile Council in the task of finding more money with which to do greater essential work. The town is worth it. It has a history many n place would be proud ot. It has a future no less enviable. And it is the home to.wn of the citizens. Most folk arc zealous about tin up-keep of their homes, and take a pride in keeping the outlook trim and attractive. They should take equal pride in the town, and build up their in i media to environment no less attractive than their dwellings. A sympathetic and co-operative spirit between the citizens and the Council would lie a useful adjunct towards the greater progress the town will achieve as time goes on. In some places there are ratepayers associations which are helpful to the town council in giving a useful lead, and even a worthy direction. Such ■i body would not he amiss here, but even without that direct aid, we hope the citizens will give spontaneous suppoit to the Council in its well meant effort to secure further material advantage to our town.