PUBLIC OPINION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 105, 27 June 1913, Page 2

PUBLIC OPINION.

A COLUMN FOR THE PEOPLE

A Ratepayers' Association

[TO THE EDIT OK. 1

bir,—Would you kindly give me a small portion of your space to draw attention to the advertisement appearing iti another part of vour issue convening a meeting at Waiuku on tr.e sth cf July for the purpose of initiating a Ratepayers' Association for the Fianklin Coun y. The necessity for the existence of such a body is so obvious that it scarcely needs elaborating Briefly put, its objects will be to keep a watchful eye on the policy and proceedings of the Council, to curb ail wasteful and unnecessary expenditure, and to so exert its influence that the ratepayers' interests may be conserved whenever they happen to clash with those of members of the Council.

In ell this there is nothing either expressed or implied to indicats any present dissatisfaction with the Council, but it is easily conceivable that at any tima a line of action might be pursued inimical to the welfate of the county as a whole, or to some portion of it, and at such a moment warning and remonstrance from a responsible body voicing the opinion of the ratepayers will rot bs without weujht. On the other hand, its approval and co-operation will strengthen the Council in carrying out any well-considered plans for improvement and progress, and no couocillor who honestly intends to do his duty to the ratepayers will ieel anything but satisfaction in learning that such a body has come into existence.

It is to be hoped that the gathering at Waiuku on Saturday week will be numerous and representative enough to launch the Association with eclat, and that no district within reach of tne township will fail to send i's contingent of ratepayers.—! am, etc., HENRY E. R. L. WILY.