THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1920. A LAUDATORY OBJECT.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 23 February 1920, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1920. A LAUDATORY OBJECT.

Our sister town, Levin, has been cngaged for some little time past in an effort to raise a substantial sum of money for beautifying the town. Citizens have displayed enthusiasm and zeal in the interests of their town that has been decidedly refreshing, and [ the result has been a most gratifying one, the raising of a very large sum of money, which will be expended in the acquisition of an' additional section of town property for the purpose of enlarging tfao present pretty town gardens, and in generally beautifying the town. Levin ’» Mayor (Mr V. M. Matheson) is a live man. He recently I attended the Town-planning Conferen«e in Wellington, and was so impressed with what he heard and saw that he returned to Levin fired with the ambition of making bis own town a place of beauty, that would attract all who saw it. Others heartily supported their worthy Mayor, and the result of their combined efforts has exceeded all anticipations financially, and has also given Levin what is commonly called “a good boost.'’ Wo most heartily congratulate our Levin friends on their energy, their enterprise, and their business foresight, for we firmly believe that the town that is made beautiful, with tidy steets.. attractive reserves, pretty gardens, etc., will be a live and prosperous town. Those who reside in such a borough will set their own gardens and homes in order, in keeping with the public parts, and the Tesult will be that the town will become attractive as a whole, and the | man or woman in search of a place to reside will naturally be attracted thither. Thus from a purely business standpoint, it pays handsomely to beautify your town, but there Is a wider and deeper view-to the question also. Undoubtedly those living in a town in which beauty and tidiness are the prominent features, must of necestfity rise to nobier heights than those who live amid sordid conditions, in the neglected towns where thy streets are i ill-kept, where there are few gardens, and little pride is taken in the beauty of public or private places. The town of Levin is forging ahead, and we are glad to see it. It deserves to prosper, for it possesses many citizens who not only have faith in their town, but who impart their faitk to others, and show j it in a practical way. Levin is a fine example of the result of persistent | effort on the part of a number of its citizens, who have all along shown a live interest in public affairs, and have not been afraid ox helping their town w«en opportunity offered. The “Manawatn Herald,” in a recent leading

article, deplored the apathy of the citizens of Fonton. and we would urge Otaki residents to take notice of the object lesson furnished by Levin. Levin dues not enjoy many advantage? that we possess in Otaki, as regards natural beauty, climate and gee-graphi-cal position, yet has far outstripped us population, an-i the reason is not far to reek—we ourselves are zo blame: we Lavs net been as zealous citizens as we might have'been, and have not had faith in ear own town. One • direction in which we might have dona a great deal nacre than we have is in beautify-

ing the town. Otaki might easily be one of the most picturesque and attractive towns in the Dominion; but in order to secure that end we must have more enthusiasm and unanimity among our public men. One means of improving the town might be through the formation of a Beautifying Society—the Levin Beautifying Society has done a splendid work—and we commend this matter to our readers' attention. Possibly the local Horticultural BocieTies flight take up the functions «f such a body. It is a matter well worthy of consideration. Such an organisation would have unlimited scope for its labours, and might work in conjunction with the Town Board.