The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1930. CIVIC PRIDE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1930. CIVIC PRIDE.

With the holidays approaching, it is pleasing to find so many citizens doing what they can to improve the appearance of their frontages. This ;s a praiseworthy aspect of citizenship, indicating also a pride in the appearance of the town. Hokitika is of consuieraole expanse for its population, and is exceptionally weli served with streets. Unfortunately of late, the Borough Council has l>een over zealous, as it were, in the way of permanent works, and local funds are petering out. There was a large expenditure out of accumulated revenue for the improvement of the water supply, and that was certainly a wise expenditure, as of late the resultant storage has been fully adequate, which is a great relief. There has been, also, considerable expenditure in channelling and drainage work. Many chains of concrete kerbing have been laid down, as well as long lengths of open drains, often an eye sore, have been piped and filled in. Those works are all substantial, and have drained the funds to such an extent that at this period of tli© year when more should be done in the way of a general clean up for the holidays, funds will not permit it. In the judgment of the law makers, a local body at the end of the financial year may not have an overdraft in excess of its outstanding revenue at the 31st March. The onus to see this provision respected which is a safeguard for the ratepayers is on the members of the local body, and well aware of their personal responsibility in tbe matter, tliev must perforce exercise due care in a-uthoi-ising expenditure. Tbe financial year for the Borough is running its course, and with the end in sight, and revenue uncertain to some extent under conditions generally prevailing ca,e must he taken. Expenditure is therefore being restricted under cite presp„re of the stress of circumstances. It is because of this that the ratep.ivers have a special opportunity to help with the clearing up process necessary for all towns periodically. Quite a crood showing is being made on many frontages, and the improvements should be an example and an inspiration to the citizens generally to help similarly. Under the. Unemployment

scheme now in vogue, ratepayers can receive financial assistance where labour has to be employed. Jn such cases a useful purposed is served by providing work for others who would be idle. A few days work here and there about the town in the manner suggested, could be helpful to the general situation, and assist to improve the general appearance of the town. Work m that direction would be helpiul to the Council also, for the members •.could realise something of the aesthetic tastes of the community and it would be their charge to see that the effect of tho improvements would not l>o allowed to go lack. The apppenranee of the town is a reflex of the citizenship, and the townspeople huv maintained a reputation for good works over many years. The loea. body has done its part not unstim,iugly, thanks to the response of the ratepayers, and this co-operation lias certainly been helpful in assisting to maintain the appearance of the town at a standard not by any means discreditable. It is well to take a pride ill our outward appearance, and ill this connection a wise step is *o be taken in regard to t-llfi labelling of the streets. Hel'e Ugaln the people have helped, showing a worthy interest. It is to he hoped that this summer it will be possible for the Council to do more tar sealing, and if possible include some of the footpaths. There is no doubt that tar sealing proves economical in the matter of future maintenance, as well as contributing to a more desirable surface for traffic, and is a special means in allaying the (hut nuisance. The Council now has a good deal of plant for the purpose of tar sealing, and its further use would certainly be appreciated. Meantime it will he well to see the citizens in general emulating one another in a general cleaning up of frontages to improve the appearance of the streets and footpaths.