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Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1927, Page 2

Therm is holy calm in connection with the approaching municipal elections—this notwithstanding that the deciding day is now very close at band. It would appear as was forecasted seme little time back, the sitting Mayor, so much in. tite confidence of the people, '"ill enjoy the usual “walk over.” For the Council there are two certain vacancies to be filled, and perhaps other vacancies. There is a call therefore for the exercise of citizenship on the part of some members of the. community, and it is time the Richmonds were entering the lists. There is always useful work to Mo in a borough such as this for those ready and willing to do it. The town suffers from a degree of isolation which is inevitable front its location, and there is the obligation more than ever on the residents to do something for their town. What it wil he, depends largely on what the citizens are prepared to do in a cor-

porate Tray. Tliore are not the funds fur a lavish expenditure. Operations are cramped necessarily in that respect. But that phase emphasises the necessity of doing as much as possible with what is available. Sound administrative ability is necessary, and there is the call to do what is considered most necessary first. An intelligent interest ill local affairs is called for. and members require to be alert to

local requirements and to press for them as opportunity serve-. L-inkine round it is not difficult to find work in do, and with intelligent application, by a personally inf crested body of members. much more could be done for flic benefit of the town. In particular, ii-

stroots and reserves should nut ls> allowed to go back A clean !ov. u is a indent advertisement. Many public ; irth.-i:s of the town should wear a more cleanly appearance than they now do. All this could be accomplished not by extra expenditure, but by a system of administration which wt u" ensure such matters having firs: ••all on ihr- staff's time. In The wr.y ‘ f large expenditure, there is the needs of the water supply always before the Council. This is not a matter i<> be tinkered with. The Council should know more about the matter, and the best advice should lie .sought for

guidance. There is work find plenty for the Cmneil to do. and it is 1i be

hoped residents will come forward who will lie prepared to show an interest in local affairs, and in particular give that personal attention, to the public business which is si essential at the present juncture.