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Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1929, Page 4

Nominations tor the Municipal Elections close to-morrow, and there is sti.l time tor a more active interest to be displayed by the citizens generally with regard to their civic responsibilities. ; here are seats to be filled on the Borough Council, Hospital Board and Haro.,ur Board, so that there is scope for action for the energetic. In any case, ,i. poil creates a livelier interest in municipal affairs, and the enthusiasm created is all for the betterment of the place. It has been a reproach for so mug past that many of the people v.f ibilitv and sufficient leisure show an unwillingness to come forward. It is not that they are particularly imnerfcd in their own affairs to the c - • |i..sion of public business, but rather a n irit of indifference, and the desire to let the other fellow carry the burden. I'll is aloofness from civic responsibilities is not in the public interests for the needs of the town and district should demand the services of those best able to assist in directing the fortunes of ..,e place. Looking at the situation 'nun this point ol view, the town should be grateful to those who do come forward and offer their assistance in local sroverimient. The law of the land is very generous, not only in the facilities offered for local government, hut also in the distribution of voting privileges. The franchise is a very wide one for municipal polls, and the measure of democratic privilege is a very full one. Such being the case, it might be expected that .public interest will be the greater, hut actually the position is the opposite. The obligation is on the people as a whole to do their duty, and if they fail, and in the end are dissatisfied with the municipal service. then the blame falls primarily on themselves. The management of the town is of importance to the people as a whole. It has a prestige to maintain. and amenities have to he provided not alone for the benefit of the residents. hut as an attraction for others to come here, and coming, assist in the general prosperity. As a centre for the district, there are obligations on the townspeople to provide amenities which will .popularise the town with the country pea pie and visitors generally. |o it s management it is necessary to get out of the ordinary grove, and those controlling the fortunes of the town should have a. wide outlook. The direction of municipal affairs lias its effect, on the prosperity of the town, and business people in particular should n „te this fact, and realise the oLligntion upon themselves for uni tv of action in so directing local affairs that tlm best results nutv accrue. \ civic policy along these lines calls for IT" at lent ion ef all directly interested in municipal advancement of the town.