CIVIC INDIFFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1699, 17 April 1917, Page 3

CIVIC INDIFFERENCE.

[To the Editor.] Sir,—May 1 be permitted to express a few thoughts in re “civic indifference” as set out in your last Thursday’s paper, and also in respect to A. J. Kellow’s reply thereto. In the first place, I agree with your article, as it is true in fact. Could it be other than indifference or carelessness on the part of citizens concerned which compelled some one at the eleventh hour to look up a candidate to till the extra vacancy on the Foxton Harbour Board in association with the Chairman to represent the Foxton Borough.' Hid (he Mayor or Council take any notice, sir, of the borough's representation on such an important body which so vitally concerns Foxton’s progress '! 1> Ibis not civic indifference.' You said not one word, sir, against the borough's represt nlal ives on the Hoard, but paid a line tribute to the Chairman. Mr Kcllow says “it was quite the impression among residents here (hat .Messrs Jlennessy and .leaks would seek rc-eicclion [to the Harbour Board] as limy were most suitable members, no opposition would have been made to (heir re-election." “Quite the impression,” sir, won’t do. “Quite the impression” doesn't win victories and failed to re-elect, one of the representatives, who, as Mr Kcllow says, was a most suitable member. “Quite Ihe impression” smacks of civic indifference. Coming to the Mayoral election, Mr Kellow objects to your statement that Mr Fraser was “pushed" into office. To “push” is to urge, impel, press or importune. Now, sir, I do not think that even Mr Fraser will deny that he was urged, impelled, importuned, or .otherwise “pushed” by Mr Kellow to seek office against his will. Mr Kellow even goes on to saythal Mr Fraser's consent was gained conditionally that those who sought his services would do the work to Avin his election. Ye god of vanities, what subservience! The High i’anjamdram act with a vengeance! If the "first citizen” is not; enthusiastic, sir, how in (he name of common sense can the public be expected to be stirred up to enthusiasm'' The Mayor, sir, is surely not some object to be placed upon a high pedestal as an ornament to be kowtowed to. but. a mere man possessed of common sense, Initiative and an earnest desire to lead his council in all matters pertaining to the good government, health and prosperity of the borough. I do not infer, sir. that Mr Fraser does not possess these qiialilicalions in more or less degree, nor that he has not made a personal sacrifice. He has served us faithfully and according to his lights, but I do complain that it should go forth that he is the one and only heaven-horn genius titled to govern the destiny of the borough. and that Mr Kellow and civic indifference should bolster up simli a fallacy, Mr Kcllow excuse.- residents from taking (heir share of citizenship on (hi l ground of “business” and “pin-pricks from certain direetions.” Wind stupidity. Does Mr Kellow mean to infer that Foxlon citizens cannot differentiate between Brown the business man and Brown llm Mayor or Councillor.’ Is it possible to conceive, sir, that any citizen would boycott a business man for discharging a public duly or that local business men are so cemented to their business that they cannot spare a little time in the common weal, or that public men in the conscientious discharge of their public duties care two straws for pin-prieks from any disgruntled individual.' In conclusion, sir, while not agreeing with Mr Kellow’s effusion, I must thank him for an opportunity of expressing my thoughts for what limy are worth on the fringe of civic administration and civic indifference.—Yours, (Ur*., RESIDENT.

[To the Editor. |

Sir. — .My letter of Sal nrday lasi was a friendly till al yimr leading article mi “Civic Indifference." and dial il sianild make yon angry was I'nrlliesl from my llniiighls. Web- .-,(«■ r describe.- a “liciKdimaii" as one whose support is eliielly a mailer id' personal advantage. 1 do not claim lo he -ndi. A “mouthpiece" is one who delivers the opinions of others. My letter was -ecu by no person hut myself mil il il reached the “Herald" office. 1 have never stated that the Mayor offered his services voluntarily. He was requested lo contest' the election by a deputation of citizens, and agreed to do so. This is the course followed almost universally. Von slate that Mr Chrystali's defeat was due (o civic indifference. Surely civic indifference would have been shown if (he election had no! been contested. On the oilier hand, if the election day had been line and more voters had (timed out, the winners majority would probably have been largely increased. I am neither the Mayor's henchman nor his trumpeter, but as details of his work are asked for I will mention some things which ahev been done during' the last two years outside of ordinary routine. Main Street has been tarred, and is now a credit to the town. The price of gas has been reduced notwithstanding the increase in the cost of coal. Additions are being made to the gasworks, which should make them u payable concern. There are others that could be mentioned, but this is not a bad performance considering it is war time and practically every municipality in the country is marking

time. Then His Worship has acted its honorary recruiting officer, and has done with credit the large amount of work that falls'to a mayor regarding patriotic matters. This work is perhaps not appreciated by those who take no interest in patriotic affairs, but. the business transacted is quite considerable. As to Ihe remarks concerning myself, I offer no comment. —Yours, etc., A. J. KELLOW. [Mr Kellow again takes himself too seriously. We can assure him that his epistle amused rather than called forth auger. Mr Kellow is. well, rather disingenuous in his quotation of Webster’s definition of “henchman,” which may mean attendant, servant, page, hut now principally used as a political term. Mr Kellow enter.- the realm of speculation re what may have happened lasi election day had the day been line. It, is as fair to assume that the positions of the candidates would have been reversed. Re tarring of Main Street and the ga- works, this, as Mr Kellow should know, Is routine. The Mayor’s efforts on behalf of patriotic affairs have been very commendable. —Ed. 11. |