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Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1925, Page 2

Tms is the year for municipal elections throughout the Dominion, and forces are being organised in various boroughs and cities for the contests. Wc hope Hokitika i.s not going to he anv exception in regard to the interest displayed, and that here as elsewhere civic pride and interest will I responsible for a contest. There are several matters of concern in regard to which the ratepayers might sit up and take note. The water supply must he put in satisfactory order now. If is not in the interests of security and

good health to allow the matter to remain in the present precarious state, and to bo a recurring condition • affairs. Drainage and sewage must also claim special attention. A dry spell such as the present brings many had odours to the surface. These might be mitigated were there water to spare to flush out the offending drains; hut .something more permanent in necessary, and the sooner some scheme is under consideration the better. It might be asked where the money is to come from. The answer to that will he the new valuation. This has been promised at last. At the same time we believe the citizens would he wise, from a civic point of view, to change the system of rating Irom unimproved galne to capital value. Ihe former has never been satistaetory s. f a , r as providing revenue is concerned Thu rate ol income far too limited lor the size of tile town, with the Jesuit that the Borough Council is unduly hampered. An increase in valuations, long ovei due; will licit) in a measure, but the surest letuni would be under the capital value system. Wc should like to see the rtepayers become interested in this jtha.su oi the question, ft will mean more rates, of course, hut there will he something to show for it with drainage, and sanitation, and bettor footpaths and sheets. The condition of the last named is all a matter oi local revenue, and the roads are in : .state now width cull for a substantial expenditure if they are to he modernised with far-sealing and other imfi'inoments for pneumatic traffic.

As regards the matter of civic interest in local affairs, it would he helpful to the Borough Council if residents in the residential portion of the town -devoted some attention to their lruiitages. This is the time of the year when growth is the greatest, and there are mailv places in need of trimming up. A civic working bee during this mouth lor instance could do a good deal in the matter of clearing up street frontages. Many a:e doing something in the direction indicated, and in such plm-cs the attention i- very noticeable. In many towns, and notably in America, this foi m of civic pride in appearances lias been responsible lor many ornate street walks. The cult has spread to some towns in New Zealand, and efforts in the direction indicated are manifesting themselves in Groyinouth. There in no reason why Hokitika should not emulate in the good work of the residents of the sister town. The Borough Council might assist ill the matter by eo-opertiling w itb citizens where tliuy are prepared to help themselves in the matter of filling in low or unsightly places, or removing surplus soil. In some streets refuse from drains IP's been heaped up till it has bocom- a blnciv to road drainage The-- Ini iniiio-ks should 1 “ removed and the roadway levelled as far as possible. Citizens in such cases might take it upon themselves to see that the road reserve so levelled and improved. i.s kejit in a sightly condition. The general effect of co-operative work on these lines would he remarkable. It would prove very useful beautifying work, and if done uniformly, would convert the town into a very pleasing aspect. By awakening civic interest along these lines, it might he possible to arouse general interest in municipal affairs at large, and bring out new blood 1 to assist in coping with the questions confronting the community and which need decisive action to assure an improved condition of affairs in regard to important public services.