THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1923. A PROGRESSIVE MOVE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4519, 24 January 1923, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1923. A PROGRESSIVE MOVE.

The suggestion made by Mr J. T. Brown, full details of which are given in an interview with him which, appears in .this issue, whereby it is proposed that Paeroa shall become known as Paeroa Junction, is a very excellent one. At first,'some may have a little difficulty to realise the enormous benefits that will accrue as a result of the change, though it is obvious .that mature consideration will lead to every business man who really has the interests of the town at heart' giving the proposal his enthusiastic support. In fact, the mure consideration given to the suggestion .tlie more it becomes evident that ■ it has no apparent drawbacks, while its advantages should be obvious to all. Mi’ Brown has, we think, made his- ease very clear, though. only stressing a few of tlie points in favour pi£' his suggestion. In the first place, he points out that this is not a question involving financial responsibility—an advantage that, cannot be lightly overlooked in these days. He has, it is pleasing to note, also made it quite clear that his desire is, to see tlie name augniented, not changed in its entirety, thus preserving the traditions attached to the name of Paeroa. It will, no doubt, generally be conceded that vastly more prominence will be given to the town in the event of it being acknowledged as Paeroa .1 unction. It should be remembered, also, .that in the ordinary coarse o’ event's Paeroa should, as Mr Brown points out, eventually be named Paeroa Junction. This, in fact, must be anticipated when the completion of the East. Coast railway add’s to the importance of this junction. As a matter of fact, Paeroa is at present a junction, so that, from a logical point of view it is practically impossible to even anticipate any opposition to the proposal. There may, UE course, be a few who are not disposed to give their support, and any arguments they may have against the pro-

posal will be worthy of every consideration. If, however, the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Men’s Association favour the project, which, no doubt, they will gladly do, there is no apparent reason why immediate steps should hot be taken to effect the alteration. If the suggestion is favoured by the majority, the sooner the intention thereof is given effect to the better.

The new system of telephone charges as outlined by the Post-master-Gcneral is, like all new systems, meeting with a somewhat mixed reception. As usual, however, .the critics de not advance any material suggestions from which a better system could be evolved. All radical changes, especially when the pockets of any particular section are affected, must be expected to meet with opposition. This is particularly the case in New Zealand, where there is ah evergrowing tendency to criticise. There is, in point of fact, an undeniable inclination to pull down rather than build. And while the new proposals in connection with telephone charges are not, and could not be expected to be, perfect, they are undoubtedly a move in the right direction. The consideration given to back-block settlers should find favour ; wnile the comparisons given between charges hei'i and in other countries should at leas;, go to prove that a readjustment of the charges’ was absolutely essential. There is, of course, the argument that public services which assist in developing the country need not necessarily pay in order to be worth while. Against that, however, is the fact .that a service which provides the necessary facilities without a financial loss to the people is preferable. The new proposals may possibly be subject to amendment. At the same time, it should be evident to everyone ■who has studied the figures quoted by the Minister that some scheme to place th? service on a better financial basis was necessary.