THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1924. CO-OPERATION NEEDED.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4768, 24 October 1924, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1924. CO-OPERATION NEEDED.

This district is fortunate in having a number of men willing and able to give their time, knowledge, and experience for the good of the community. The members of the public bodies of this district arc all anxious to do their bejst tor the good of the majority of the residents. Every man does not agree with the proposals brought forward by his neighbour tliat is not to be expected. Criticism is good, but it should be constructive, not destructive. No locality can progress if its residents are not cooperating and working together. Majorities must rule in every catse, and minorities should accept a verdict and assist in the carrying out of the project upon which.the decision has been given in a proper constitutional ■manner. Full and free discussion on every proposal is beneficial, but no man nor set of men has all the wisdom. In one locality county matters have recently been well discussed and much difference of opinion expressed by those concerned. A meeting of the ratepayers has been called, and we understand some recent actions will be further considered. We would urge conciliatory methods of getting over alleged grievances, and would point out that the only way to progress is to unite and all pull, together. It is understood some proposals for the further advance "f Paeroa will shortly be brought before ratepayers by the Borough Council. It is desirous that a wide view be take i of the future. There are undoubtedly signs of prosperity ahead, and public men must lead the people in the making of preparations for progress. The proposals to municipalise the gas supply and public library and provide the most profitable accommodation for the Borough Council all require earnest consideration, but we would ask ratepayers not to confine their survey to (he present but to consider the future. The people of a district expect many public utilities. They

desire to have shopping, educational, and social opportunities close at hand. Everywhere statesmen are deploring the fact that great octopuslike cities are depopulating the country districts, and placing an eveiincreasing burden upon the primary producers. Back of our systems of hydro-electricity, rural telephones and mail services, rural secondary schools and other movements is the set pur-pose-of making country life more attractive, building up local centres, and thus ensuring that the nation's prosperity shall be broad-based, instead of becoming-endangered by the depopulation of the country and the corresponding overgrowth and congestion of cities, which latter condition is equivalent to a dangerous attempt to stand a pyramid upon its apex instead of its base. The country people can do more than any government could hope to achieve simply by patronising district industry and business generally, and improving conditions. This is a duty every person owes to himself and bis neighbour. and it is to be hoped that a hearty co-operation will be witnessed among the residents of this district and a steady pull made in its interests.