Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1931, Page 4

Tub local civic authorities have had many permanent works in hand of late, but it was disclosed at the recent meeting of the Council, that funds are running low, and that for the next two months, to title over the financial year, a “go slow” policy must ho adopted. The local body has been doing its best with extra funds received, to help local unemployment, and as the Unemployment Board is still providing money for civic works, it would lie a good thing in the interests of the town to endeavour to raise more money locally to secure the free.subsidy offering, and by providing opportunities for more work, also serve the useful purpose of further improving the g moral appearance of the town. The citizens will find it to general advantage to endeavour to improve amenities locally. What has been done in that respect already is not only creditable, but lias added to the repute of the town. The local civic management has been on economical lines and the town has been living within its means. This is sound business administration which will he approved generally. With an altogether new. unusual, and 'even unexpected condition of affairs arising, the Council might well consider ways and means in the interest of the town, ol taking advantage 01 the changed position. The offer of free money by the Unemployed Board for works to create emj ployment, should be accepted if at all

possible, both in the interests of those out of work, and for the advantage of the town in assisting to provide necessary iniprov;..'ment.s, .Doubtless the citizens would he prepared to cooperate, if some definite pr posal were brought forward, by assisting to provide money to augment any funds the Borough Council can provide to-wards material and supervision costs to secure the extra money grants for labour. The present, is an altogether unusual opportunity which should not be lost, but every effort made to take the fullest advantage of a' unique position. This seems to he a matter on which there should he immediate concentration so that the fullest local benefit may be reaped.