LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 165, 30 December 1926, Page 4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

IT has often been a reproach that very little interest is 'taken in local body government in. VNew Zealand. Polls held in regarded loan expenditure in communities up and down the country offer striking proof to this assertion in that the percentage of ratepayers who take ' the trouble to vote is mostly very, small. This is far from an ideal state of affairs, and is perhaps largely due to the fact that New Zealand is but a young country so far as* the dominion of the white man is concerned. However, it is a matter which hqts given economists serious concern and the drastic suggestion has even been put forward by responsible authorities that no loan poll should be carried, no matter how big the majority in favour, unless a certain big percentage of ratepayers record their votes. Without going into the pros and cons of the question it may be stated that such a remedy might be worse than the ill. To improve matters much may be done by local bodies, and by arousing interest amongst those whom they represent. The public spirit * thus generated would tend to make members of ail such bodies more keen on their work, which would in the end result in only the fittest and most responsible persons offering themselvestin'the ratepayers’ interests at election times. At least in one particular way could local bodies endeavour to create that i strong public spirit which is so essential to good government, and that is by encouraging the attendance of ratepayers and electors at ordinary meetings. It is not too much to say' that were half-a-dozen electors to I turn up to listen to the discussion at I any average meeting of a local body, | that something akin to consternation I would be caused, and only with the | utmost difficulty could the visitors, I probably regarded in some quarters ; as interlopers, be accommodated. It | is not expected that provision for a large audience should be made, but on

the other hand many’- bodies meet in a poky little room with the door shut, which combined with other circumstances, plainly indicates that any others than members are not wanted.

Our mode of government has been regarded as a model by the world, and despite its inconsistencies and weaknesses it is a sy r stem to be cherished. It is a noble heritage gained through the blood and strivings of our forefathers, and while it may not be actually in danger there is every reason to regret that it does not occupy that place in our interests of life which it should do. Regarded in its true light the exercise of the suffrage is a duty which should not be lightly passed over, and until public opinion is thoroughly roused to this view there is little hope of any great permanent improvement in regard to our social government.