King Country Chronicle. Wednesday, October Ist, 1913 PUBLIC SPIRIT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 607, 1 October 1913, Page 4

King Country Chronicle. Wednesday, October Ist, 1913 PUBLIC SPIRIT.

Judging by the recent meetings held in connection with the rating ques. tion in the borough, it seemed as though more than ordinary interest was being taken in an important public question. When the poll was declared on Monday, however, it was disclosed that only about twenty-five per cent, "of those mtitled to vote had exercised their right. To what can be aacirbed the deplorable apathy shown by our residents in public questions it ia difficult to determine. Even allowing for a percentage of absentees the total number of votes recorded is altogether too small to give a thorough representation of public feeling on a highly important question at issue is one which affects every ratepayer and though the result indicates that the voting would, with a much large poll, have gone in f ivour of ths proposal the lack of interest is to be deplored. The keener more widespread the interest evinced by the people in public affairs the more healthy ia the tone of public life to becTie and the greater the incentive to all to take part in matters affecting the welfare of the community. The social fabric is erected and maintained by the activities of those to whom the public spirit appeals, and the Greater the number of aspirants to public office, and the more profound the interest evinced in public matters by the people, the more stable the fabric will be established and the more worthy the accomplishment of those to whom the work is entrusted. In the case of Monday's pell those who espoused the cause of rating on unimproved values are to be commended for the End activity displayed. It is lo be hoped the same spirit will be cultivated and devoted to ti:s advancement of other worthy cautea. In a young and growing town such as To Kuiti there is ample work for all in ihe endeavour to achieve progress on the highest and most worthy lines. By stimulating public interest and discussing freely all matters pertaining to the common weal much may ba accomplished. The apathy commonly shown at the poll at Te Kuiti and other similar centres disclosed a wide field for the activities of tnose who are endowed with the public spirit.