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Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1926, Page 2

MuNicir.u, matters seem to be taking rather a retrograde step, because of the negative attitude of flic Council. The members are not taking the interest in civic affairs they once did—for a late meeting lapsed for want of a quorum, and at the next time of .jtsking only a bare quorum was present. The only positive action of late is the dispensing of the gardener’s services. There was no explanation given of the action, nor oi what substitute service the Council was disposed to supply. We hope that the grounds which have been improved so much of late are not going to be neglected, and so much of the excellent work carried out by the Beautifying Society go for nought. Tt is unfortunate that for lack of funds the Society had to ask to he relieved from its obligations with regard to the gardener’s salary for a term, but we fancy the ratepayers as a whole hardly wish to see the grounds neglected in consequence. There are those who have been taking a good deal of pride m the appearance of Cass Square and Macandrew Square, and would hope to see both reserves maintained in as creditable a wav for the future. Their condition is an outward and visible sign of the value of the work done, and why the Council should be stampeded into its action of resolving to do without the services of the gardener is at once both surprising and disappointing. It is not too late to retrace the step, and when next the full Council meets we hope the positions will bo retrieved. Another very important matter which has dropped iiito oblivion for the time being is the question of an export report on the water supply service. The overseer’s report indicated the condition of the water supply was occupying a good deal of time for the maintenance men, and there is the consequent neglect of the streets and footpaths, some of the latter developing something of a record bad state. In the continuous wet weather they are a succession of puddles, some paths being notoriously bad. though the Council months ago authorised attention to specific localities. Tf the staff has to he engaged on the water works so much it is manifest the footpaths and streets will fall behind, and that is another ren-on why the sooner the. Council loams the worst about the water supply service the better. Money is being wasted hv a fruitless attempt at patching, while neglected streets and footpaths emphasise the wrong direction in which the staff i.s being used. The ratepayers are very patient in the matter, hut the condition of affairs just now is creating cause for complaint, and a casual look round the town supplies plenty of evidence that the complaints are not without foundation.