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Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1926, Page 2

Tub community paid a well-deserved tribute to Air T. AV. Duff during flic week, recognising bis public services on local bodies for a period extending over about a quarter of a century. As one of the speakers remarked, it was a pleasant departure from the usual rule of tributiug, a worthy citizen. The public tribute came usually after lie bad passed away. In the present instance. Air Duff had so many outstanding virtues and so few vices, that it was thought well to speak well of him in the flesh, and the econinms passed by the several speakers showed a uniformity of mind on the .subject. In passing it might be said opportniialely that the community is very well served by its public men who fill honorary positions on various local bodies so admirably. They have very often a thankless task In perform, in that they arc at the licck and call of all, and when tilings are not going right are criticised, while when things go well they receive very little credit. However, in (his community, the criticism offered is never unduly trenchant. It is usually a case of placing the position before the public, and any criticism given is intended to ha helpful and is not certainly disrespectful. This general trend of opinion indicates the very satisfactory manlier in which our public men strive to discharge their obligations. Oil that account the people are to he congratulated. Still, it is a result achieved only by men of the character of the guest of this week coming forward from time to time and doing their hit for tin public weal. Our constitution is so democratic, that through the inedii of the local bodies the people largely rule and regulate themselves. Also, they have the opportunity of shaping the laws to govern themselves, for the provisions of the Statutes are in the main the outcome of local opinion expressed through local body representatives. There is thus a. responsibility cast on members to discharge their duties fairly and equitably. The absence of serious friction in local body administration is a credit to the good sense of the. people in selecting those considered best qualified to represent them. The trust so far as Westland generaly is concerned is not abused. There are earnest and honest men doing their duly day by day on the public bodies, and we hear little about it. It is all the more pleasing to find ns in the instance this week, merit is rewarded and good patient work is recognised.