WELFARE OF PAEROA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4904, 18 November 1925, Page 2

WELFARE OF PAEROA.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —.1 have been a visitor in your town for some time now, .and feel constrained to-address a few remaj-ks to your citizens through your columns by your courtesy. I have been much impressed by the apparent indifference- and lack of interest displayed towards things of moment concerning the- welfare and progress of your town and district. In casual conversations with many of your townspeople it has appeared- that they had not much faitli in the future of their home town, nor have they evidenced much desire to work towards better things. In very many cases they bewailed the fact of there being no hotels for the sale of strong drinks, suggesting that these would cause better times an<T more business. My personal beliefs are against this view, but since there has appeared a probability of restoration I have marked a more hopeful tone in these same people. It would appear that they, required a little “dutch courage.” But what I believe is really" lacking is civic pride and the will to do something individually by the lank and file. Of couqse your town is not alone ini .this matter, for many seem to think it is their privilege to sit back and criticise the other fellow’s work, whereas they each should be desirous of doing something, no matter how humble .their effort, remembering the old saw “every little makes a muckle.” Take, for instance, the matter of the Maternity Hospital, for Paeroa. You published a very interesting and illuminating leader on this matter early in September, but there was no response apparent- I felt then that your fellow. citizens did.not realise the value of having a local newspaper, for if they did. they would use it more by expressing their opinions through its columns. By doing so they would assist to break down this, careless attitude; would incidentally cause your paper to grow, but what is more important, they would enhance its value to the town. I believe that your town is on the eve of a big forward movement, regardless of restoration, and I would suggest that you all a/ssist to cultivate a greater civic pride by adopting an optimistic attitude, combined with the. will to work for the consummation of the desired end. I would also, suggest to the citizens to make the matter a personal one and ask themselves, have they done all they could or anything at ail for a forward movement ? Do they endeavour to get tlie best men and women to offer their services on the various local bodies ? And are those citizens whose financial position and experience fit them for these positions ready to make the necessary sacrifices in time and money to fill these positions properly; and are their womenfolk prepared to pay by standing behind them and upholding them, forgoing their claims to their menfolk’s time . and company when necessary? It is not recognised enough by the mass of the people what the womenfolk pay when their men are working in these positions for tlie general public’s welfare. Just latterly there has been indications of an awakening interest, and I trust" •that my little homily will be taken in the' spirit it is offered, and that it may serve to assist to push your-town on so that it will be a pleasant place for business or A VISITOR.