CORRESPONDENCE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4906, 23 November 1925, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

WELFARE OF PAEROA.

CTo the Editor.!

Sir, —The letter subscribed, by “A Visitor” in your issue of the 18th iiKS-t. is quite typical of what might be expected from a recent arrival. I should like to learn how much longer he is likely to. remain with us, for if he contemplates, a permanent residency and will be good enough to disclose his identity we might get a deputation ,tc> wait upon him and ask him to join in and assist to further tiie requirements of our town and. its people. Destructive criticism does not help in the least. Had “A Visitor’ arrived in Paeroa a few years back it would now be very apparent to him that we have not done so badly after all, notwithstanding the many setbacks, obstructions, and difficulties which have been endured and of which “A Visitor” evidently knows nothing. The progress made so far is mostly due to the many sacrifices and sheer doggednesis of the older inhabitants, past and present, and Paeroa is lucky to be where it stands to-day. It is not for these of'“A Visitor’s" stamp to drop in unawares and asseit that ‘‘lie has been much impressed by the apparent indifference and lack of interest displayed towards things concerning the welfare and progress of the town and district.” Such a reproach as this, and many another which “A. Visitor” makes in his letter, goes a long way to discourage the worthy efforts made by those who work .quietly, continuously, and in-' creasing!? for the public weal, and dees more harm than good. Those of us who know how difficult it. has been to keep our town together, with its ever changing people and lack of commercial industries, confidently feel that we have little or nothing Co be ashamed of, inasmuch as we have an excellent electric and water supply, a sewerage system in embryo, a beautiful domain and racecourse, excellent public schools, sports playing areas, and many other good things which are not even possessed by larger towns with greater populations. A mere visitor, who, by the way, is probably accepting part of the hospitality which our residents and. ratepayers provide, cannot possibly comprehend what the early pioneer has done, and. exhibits very bad taste by adversely”commenting on,a, struggling town in which he has been, comparatively speaking, but a few hours. When conversing with many of our townspeople “A Visitor" evidently struck the wrong source of supply for correct information, hence his bad impressions and opinion of us, and I would advise him to seek knowledge from others who are more responsible. Whether or not “A Visitor” speaks from a civic, commercial, or social standpoint he offers, a direct) insult both to the intelligence of the community and those in executive authority when he asks ‘‘do they endeavour to get the best men and women to offer .their, services on various local bodies." I assert they do, and these are the people whose acquaintance I recommend “A Visitor” to cultivate, and if he is willing to give a helping hand (every mickle makes a muckle) by money or kind, instead of grousing, either would be thankfully received, and he would soon learii to appreciate what is, actually being done by voluntary local bodies and sports associations to push a very hard town and district ahead, and, furthermore, it may induce him to remain with us. My personal opinion is that the great majority of the people of Paeroa —and elsewhere for that matter—are only too willing to assis.t to the best of their ability the progress of .tiheir town if approached in-a proper manner, as evidenced by the wonderful success, of many and recent public entertainments , bazaars, subscriptions, etc., to say nothing of rates, all in aid of various local works and institutions, especially that) of a fire motor-reel. Lastly, I would like to inform “A Visitor” that the matter of a local hospital is not lost sight of, the delay in its erection being caused chiefly by outside opposing influences, mostly regarded by us as local jealousies, which we will overcome. Perhaps “A Visitor” would-like to give a really handsome donation towards this ? failing which, I, cannot see that his little homily, is going to assist to push our town on. < GEO. P. de CASTRO.