LOCAL TOPICS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 311, 24 October 1929, Page 4

LOCAL TOPICS.

A Neglected Spot.

(By

“Verax.”

It has frequently been said that the only way to get anything from* a Government (all brands) is to keep hammering away at them. Judging by recent experiences Governments are not alone in this respect, and they have a good second in the body responsible for the control of the

Putaruru cemetery. Recently it looked as if persistent agitation was to be rewarded, and that the cemetery would be made to look respectable, but the good intentions were not carried into effect, and the last resting place of many of our pioneers still bears the woebegone neglected appearance that stands as a reproach to those in authority. “ Verax ” is not a wealthy man, but he would be willing to donate a guinea towards any fund or movement having as its aim the placing of the cemetery in something like decency. * * v * Ratepayers’ Association.

Writing of cemeteries reminds the writer that there is at present in Putaruru a body so defunct that it should be decently interred. I refer to the Ratepayers’ Association, which came into being amidst a great degree of enthusiasm. As a result of three meetings the association was at last placed on a legal basis and ready to function along legitimate lines. Since then no meetings have been held, and “ Verax ” has on more than one occasion been asked what value those who paid their subscriptions were likely to receive.

Apparently no great value has been received, the initial expenses have been met certainly, but beyond a somewhat unsatisfactory clash with the Town Board, nothing. Several of the rank and file are still enthusiastic, but apparently the association as a body is as dead as Julius Caesar. This is regrettable, for as has been pointed out before there is scope in Putaruru for a live Ratepayers’ Association. Unfortunately there exists an impression that it is an anti-Town Board body. There should be no such feeling, for its chief aim should be to see that the ratepayers’ interests are safeguarded, and in saying this no reflection is intended against the Town Board. The suggestion at the head of this paragraph stands; that is, if the association cannot resuscitate itself it should wind up. The present position , wholly unsatisfactory.

Church Unity. The innovation instituted by the Rev. Stephen R. Wareing during his vicarship >of Putaruru, of holding combined services in the parish church, was an excellent one, and one that must have done an incalculable amount of good. There is no reason why this idea should not be given a wider application to cover the Protestant churches of the town. Church union is an important subject (too big to handle in fragmentary notes such as these), but there is ample scope in a little place like Putaruru for a more frequent commingling of those who worship at different altars. An excellent opportunity present itself for a combined service on the 10th of next month, the Sunday before Armistice Day (November 11). Apart from the instilling of the religious significance of the event into the minds of the people, the need for civic pride could with advantage be stressed at a combined service. The hint is thrown out to the ministers in good time, so that arrangements could be made for a combined service, say, in the town hall. The hurriedly organised citizens’ service held on Anzac Day and its attendant success (despite wet weather) showed that the opportunity for such united services was appreciated.

“ The Talkies.” With the installation of “ talkies ” in neighbouring towns, the need for the settlement of the town hall loan proposals in as short a time as possible is all the greater. With the motor car places like Cambridge and Matamata are within easy distance, and a large percentage of Putaruru’s population journeyed over to the former place, thus depriving the town of business. It was stated at the last meeting of the Town Board that the plans and data were to go on to the Local Government Loans Board within a week, so presumably they are in Wellington now. It is to be hoped that they will be returned in a reasonable time, and the issue placed before the ratepayers as early as possible.