CIVIC DUTY.

Shannon News, 1 April 1927, Page 1

CIVIC DUTY.

We are not cynical (says a writer in; .in exchange) but being obse,' vant, have arrived at the conclusion that honest service of the public doesuot always meet with appreciation. 0. course, to those concerned there is alvays a large measure of reward in thi knowledge that one has done his or'her best to render some Service to human ity. We find that only a small percent age of the community accept a fair share of responsibility in the sphere oi local or national affairs. If all those qualified to fill public offices or actively assist in the social welfare of the community were available, the burden would not fall on the few, and better service would result. Under the existing conditions it is no uncommon experience for one man to be seen struggling to do justice to multifarious o'liees, usually forced upon him, whilst a host of;critics, resembling the spectators at a football match, leisurely watch the progress ■of events! It is evident that the breach must be filled by someone, and it is the "willing horse," to use a familiar phrase, that it loaded with duties which should be shared'by other citizens. There are many people who through sheer indifference do not identify themselves with any movement calculated to advance the interests of those around them. Such people are quite content to let "the other fellow" bear the brunt of the "slings and arrow's" of idle critics. "They toil- not, neither do they spin," as far as-the wide world of. : humanity .'"is concerned, and live unto themselves. * Self J is the Alpha and the Omega of their existence, and for them "no minstrel raptures swell!" Exception must needs be made, of course, for those who are of a retiring disposition and-can-not see their way clear to enter Xhe public arena. Whether it be a club or a civic body, we find a mere handful of enthusiasts shouldering the responsibility "of administration. Those of our readers' who have had lpcal-body experience or served as officers in public or semi-public institutions,* must be' conversant with the difficulties that beset the path of the conscientious leader. Without notice or apology, appointments are disregarded, and the-offelnder ia often the loudest complainant should the arrangements not reach the desired

standard. Another objectionable individual is he who lias much to" say, and renders' little service. The indifference of the -multitude'is far from encouraging to those who are loyally striving to serve their fellow-men in local* or national lift*. It js. 'indeed, mrprising that the uphill struggle does not weary the limited circle of. publicspirited people. Progress is close upon the heels of the thinker, just as surely as in the wake', of the woodman's axe, and the world is richer to-day because of the spirit of'patriotism and Imperialism which has given birth in humble endeavours -to 'forward the public weal. We -w*ant more-men of,: honest mind, with a purpose-in life, and fewer laggards.