CO-OPERATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 66, 24 January 1908, Page 2

CO-OPERATION.

The developpiept of any new country is a process fraught with immense possibilities, and to a large exteni is dependent upon the efforts of the people who undertake the work of pioneering. To a less degree, but still an important one, does it depend upon the trend of outside happenings in the social and political sphere. For the genuine pioneer has little social intercourse, and he is not pumefous enough to make his power greatly felt in the politics of his country. It is therefore a njatter. qf the first importance thaf as soon as possible the settlers in 3 new district should take every opportunity of getting together and discussing matters with a view | to acting in concert in connection with projects, great and small, for the advancement of their district. Co-operation is one of the great forces, and argument is not required to point out the advantages to be obtained by uniting for mutual advantage. The influence of unionism in towns has been long felt, and in applying the principle to the country districts, 'there is much to gain aii,<4 i)oU;ikg j.q lose -jy such a course. 0n the other Hand, Uy pemaiitiqg sta? tfonery In a new district, and simply allowing things to grow, or matters

of common interest to be attempted by isolated action, or by the efforts of a few, we are losing valuable time and sacrificing opportunities which may not be afforded later. The difficulties to be overcome in a new district are many, and the necessity for cohesion among the settlers is urgent. Many of the requirements are dependent upon the Government Departments, and political influence usually becomes a factor in the question. This fact, while rendering it all the more necessary for settlers to unite, at times proves a force in the other direction, and delays the introduction of much needed works. It is obvious, therefore, that in order to acquire the best results, compromises must be nu:dc, and political beliefs kept in the background, in cases where the interests of the settlers arc at slake. Except in rare instances no question of the sacrifice of political doctrine arises. The majority of requirements affect merely the departments controlled by the Government, land departmentalism, whether controlled by men of one particular shade of politics or another, is very much alike when the question of expenditure arises. The central object which should be steadily kept in view is the interest and advancement of the district, and with the settlers loyally uniting for their imutual benefit, on broad and liberal lines, much may be accomplished. One thing is certain, and should be remembered by all : Cooperation means progress ; apathy means drift and a loss of opportunity which must affect the district to the detriment of all.