THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1908. EFFORTS AND PROGRESS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 83, 22 May 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1908. EFFORTS AND PROGRESS.

RECENT events in the King Country point strongly to the fact that settlers throughout the district are awakening to the knowledge that, in-order to achieve progress, concerted effort must be made. The inexorable lav/ of cause and effect applies just as aptly to things political as to scientific problems, and it is merely a matter of the individual recognising his responsibility to his disti'ict for each to assist in the march of progress. In older districts where conditions have become fixed, and custom has decreed that responsible action by the few is sufficient for ordinary needs, there is some excuse for the average individual being content to have things done for him. In the Rohe Potae, however, with its lands awaiting development, and its manifold wants crying aloud for recognition, there is but i one possible road to public pro- j gress. Unanimity is the first cs- \ scntial, and it is important that J the fact should be intimately j realised at the earliest possible moment. Our interests are common, as are our responsibilities, and by concerted and persistent effort we are laying the foundation of a common progress and prosperity. In unity lies strength —not a passive, self-satisfied union, where the many are content to accept the actions of their neighbours on behalf of the community, but an active, whole- j hearted union of the entire dis- j [ trict, with each individual desir- | ous of furthering the cause of j legitimate progress. The welfare of our district depends so largely I upon the Government that con- j stant agitation is necessary to j obtain due recognition for even j our elementary needs. Other districts are clamouring and ob- j taining their share of the public money, and while not denying . the claims of others, we should remember that our own needs are i ; of paramount importance, and j j advance them accordingly. Until j 1 our settlers are willing to bestir j j themselves and co-operate heart- j ily in the cause of progress, we j i must be content to sec the sub- i < stance going to districts peopled ' t

with alert and energetic individuals who are alive to the fact that upon sound public progress depends the welfare of the private individual. TE KUITI LOAN. IN carrying the poll for the loan proposal with whole - hearted unanimity the Te Kuiti residents have taken, a decided forward step. On all grounds the loan is desirable, and we venture {o preeict that once the hand ol progress has been felt, there will be no looking hack. The stale ol the township, to say (he least, is not creditable to anyone connected with it, and while there may be some excuse for the ratepayers wishing to see the onus ot improving it shared equitably by owners and occupiers, in the interests of the community, both commercially and morally there is every reason why the residents should undertake the initial burden. Whatever change may be brought about must come slowly, as grind the political mills, and an enterprising community is always more considered by the authorities than a lethargic one. The ethics of the case may be discussed, and action taken accordingly at any time. Meanwhile, we shall have passable streets, and the power of living amidst decent and sanitary surroundings. It is proverbially difficult to maintain one's selfrespect (apart from the respect of others) amid sordid surroundings, and one of the most essential things in a growing town is the possession by the residents of a feeling of genuine pride in their own abiding place. Without being unduly parochial these sentiments are responsible for all local progress, and the best way to foster them in the growing generation is to provide conditions that will at least bear comparison with tftgse of other localities. An asf>a#; of the question which has been discussed is whether the Government will consider the security of a leasehold tenure sufficient to advance money on, and the result of the application for the loan will be awaited with interest throughout the King Country. For the question, in this respect, is not merely local, every centre in the Rohe Potae being vitally affected by the result. However, a stronger argument in favour of the proposal could not be advanced, as, in any case, the status of the towns affected will be definitely determined. We have little fear as to the result, but in the remote possibility of an unfavourable reception by the Government, there will be the satisfaction of knowing the exact position, and of being able to adopt immediate measures to place matters on a proper basis.