PUBLIC OPINION

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 314, 14 November 1929, Page 1

PUBLIC OPINION

(A COLUMN FOR THE PEOPLEj

AN UNTIDY STREET. (To the Editor). Sir > —There can be little doubt but that “ Observer’s ” remarks on the subject of the above are most timely. The pity is that it should be left to a stranger to call our attention to what must be obvious to all who have the interest of the town at heart. The rubbish which litters Princes street, at times, beggars description, and the shocking state of the footpath serves merely to accen-

tuate to the critical eye a condition which is, without doubt, a disgrace to the town.

Dissertations anent civic pride have appeared in your columns from time to time, and Putaruruvians may shortly be asked to show how well they have assimilated their lessons by supporting a proposal to erect a magnificent new Town Kail. It would be well to show first that we have at least learnt the virtue of

cleanliness. A new Town Hall in an environment of wastepaper and orange peel! Civic pride, indeed. When the work on Princes street is finalised let is hope that “ Observer s ” suggestion will be put into practice. Wastepaper baskets are necessary, and to many possessed of a sense of decency they will be a great convenience. There are others

who win need to be reminded of their obligations by the rigid enforcement of tne by-laws. The schools do great work with their safety first and other propaganda. Here is another field for their enterprise. By these and any means in our power let us eradicate a condition which has long since ceased to be tolerated by any town with a vestige of self-respect.

Writing of civic pride reminds me that there appears to be a very large number of ratepayers who are athirst for information as to the various schemes afoot for civic improvement. They have been under way now for a long time, and doubtless are near finality. Little information I Lias so far been available through the columns of your paper concerning the work of the Town Board (did not someone writing in your columns refer to them as a secret society); and doubtless it is sound policy to wait until the schemes have been finalised before divulging any particulars. But it will be a great pity if ratepayers have no opportunity of discussing the proposals in detail. Of course they will be expounded at a public meeting, convened for the purpose, and details will doubtless be available at the offices of the board, but bearing in minci' the scope and nature of the loan proposals this does not seem to be entirely satisfactory. It is hardly necessary to point out that here is a field for the activities of the Ratepayers’ Association. The remarks in your last issue were well founded, and in fairness to its members it should ascertain as soon as practicable the nature of the proposals that they may be subject to an impartial and careful criticism; or its executive be for ever regarded as a cemetery for enthusiasm.

In the absence of something of this nature it is conceivable that the loan proposals may be turned down at the poll. A negative vote would not do a great deal of harm, and none of the schemes are so urgent that they must me put into operation at once. Voting against the proposals might well save the ratepayers’ pockets, and it is doubtful whether the schemes would suffer one iota as a result of being postponed. On the contrary, it is conceivable that the revision, which usually ensues as a result of such action, would be to the advantage of all concerned.—l am, etc., ANOTHER OBSERVER.