Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1930. A MATTER OE PRINCIPLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4540, 6 December 1930, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1930. A MATTER OE PRINCIPLE.

.v .STRIKING appeal to the loyalty of citizens to their own tradespeople —which, of course, includes their own newspaper —-is made in an article in a contemporary. "Local traders are still one ol the mainstays of any locality, and they have a strong claim to local snpport. These tradespeople are never overlooked when subscription lists arc being canvassed for, when local appeals for funds are being sought. They invariably respond according to their means and are generally regarded as among those who are to be' relied upon for support. They have a. quite equal claim upon the inhabitants for reciprocal snpport and they are entitled to be regarded as an integral part of the permanent institution to which the tribute of loyally is due. Even supposing that they have no claim to ‘loyal support,” them their case call he quite as strongly argued from the point of view of local self-interest. Local traders, as already pointed out, arc among the mainstays of the district churches, institutes, societies, clubs, charities, hospitals, and all other beneficent and social objects which depend, more or less, on voluntary financial support. The measure of prosperity will he the measure of llieir generosity in responding to all appeals for assistance, either in cash or kind. We ■assort that the. bona-tide local shopkeepers have very strong claims to the support of those ■among whom they live, and we think that they would he Lully justilied in advancing those claims in an unequivocal manner. Modesty in business has long ceased to he regarded as a virtue!” Boiled down, the matter is entirely one of principle. If it is right for one person to go outside for his requirements, it is right- for all to act similarly. And what would he the result if all were to do this? Every place of business would he compelled to (dose. They and 'their •employees would then leave for fresh fields and pastures new. Houses now occupied would he empty end the town would wear the'appearance of a deserted village. The result, would be that the electric light, water, and drainage schemes would be unprofitable ventures and tlie loan interest in eonneelioti with these undertakings would have to he met: by the unfortunate property-owners, who would be left with unproductive properties on their hands. The question naturally arises: Is the principle one that should he adhered to or not? The answer is obvious.