THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1907. THE WORKING SEASON.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 44, 23 August 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1907. THE WORKING SEASON.

To the individual to whom the necessity of providing a decent living for himself, and those dependent upon him, is the first (consideration, any month of the year, any week of the month, or any day of the week, may be termed the working season ; but, collectively, the work necessary for the progress of the district in every direction may always be more profitably undertaken with the advent of spring, when the effects of the winter's rains and frosts have somewhat abated. That working time is now approaching, and it behoves our pub-lic-spirited men to organise, and undertake the many pressing matters which require earnest attention in a new country. Development is rapidly proceeding all round us, and it is necessary to make provision to better our surroundings in order to satisfy both the commercial and social instincts of the whole community. " So much to do ; so little to do it with," is an easy attitude to adopt and has been favorably regarded by certain sections for generations past. However, such a creed can have no part in progress, and is a dangerous one to an undeveloped district. " A thing begun is half-done " has been taught to us all, and is a much better maxim to live by. To compile a list of the works worth considering would be a labour in itself, and is unnecessary. We are all concious of the state of affairs generally ; the condition of our roads is known to all; that our rivers are choked with willows and are flooding more readily each year, is a fact driven home by hard experience ; to walk the main streets of any of the King Country townships is an illuminating experience, and one has not to live long in the district to know that conveniences and facilities of the most elementary description, are foreign to our most populous centres. As a matter of fact, there is a striking and lamentable absence of all those things which tend to promote the happiness, comfort, or health of any community, and it is time something was begun for the purpose of improving such a state of things. These statements are made in no carping spirit, the district is merely in its transition stage, and united effort has hitherto been a matter of extreme difficulty. Still, the facts are apparent and the necessity for action is manifest to all. A scattered population, and the magnitude of the undertakings, all tend to

encourage the waiting game, but it must be remembered that each individual in the district is responsible for his portion of effort in the public interest, and when that doctrine comes to be recognised we may look for substantial and assured progress. THE MEDICAL FUND. The movement in favour of an Oddfellows' Lodge is still being promoted at Te Kuiti, and a meeting is to be held on Thursday evening, August 22nd, to discuss the proposal. It is to be regretted that the Medical Club scheme and the Oddfellows should come before the public at the same time, as, though both are highly desirable in themselves, it is difficult to sec how they are to work together on an equitable basis. In any case it is to be devoutly hoped that any proposal to solve the apparent difficulty, will be accepted in a generous spirit by all. After all, the main thing which matters, is the procuring of a good medical man for the district, whatever means may be adopted for the purpose. If the end can be attained as well by the formation of a Benefit Society, such a project should be supported. However, if it is thought the pursuit of such a course would be harmful in its effect at the present juncture, there is every reason why the Oddfellows' movement should be postponed for a short period. A lodge can be successfully promoted in this district at almost any time, and probably if the doctor was already resident at Te Kuiti, matters would be simplified in every respect.