WORK OF THE FUTURE.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 April 1919, Page 4

WORK OF THE FUTURE.

The retiring Mayor sees for his successor a tremendous amount of work ahead; h e recognises that, the occupant of the Alayoral chair in the immediate future needs to leave considerable force of character, possess more than an ordinary knowledge of local government affairs, have org'ahisiug ability, and to understand the huge financial questions that ho will find himself confronted with. We have been rescued from a modern Duke d’Alva, and the ■ resultant repatriation is going to have a rather startling Effect upon the increase of industry and production, and this increase will bo augmented by immigration. The housing question throughout the Empire is a scandal on which the proud head of the Empire has to bo bowed in shame in the presence of Russia, and the enemies over which the Allies have triumphed. Nowhere is the housing shortage more acute than in Taihapc, and the people who arc being huddled together in buildings that are woefully short of healthful air space will not jlut. up with the discomfort and danger of this Em-

pire scandal as repatriation progresses. The days to come arc prolific of great events; public works unprecedented

will have to be put in hand; financial questions will loom up as they have

never before concerned this Borough; every family in the State will have to be healthfully housed; Taihapc business houses will be 'called upon to provide for a much-increased rural population, and the Borough will have to furnish conditions in keeping with the times. The position of Mayor from the forthcoming election right on through the spending of a loan that

lias been authorised, and in the raising and spending of other loans, will be onerous and arduous, and those who are seeking the position, should not regard it as anything cf a purely honorary and honourable char.acted. Ratepayers have their future in their own making, if they prefer to vote personal friends into positions requiring the maximum ability, instead of Selecting the men best fitted to carry on successfully the borough affairs of the future, no one need listen to their complainings about the full rates allowable by law being struck and collected while public services and conveniences are of the worst and most inadequate character. The Borough needs, more than ever before, able, willing workers around its Council table, conn cillorg with a foresight and a fixed determination to make (he town a pattern for others to follow. There is a

wave of municipal interest and enthusiasm passing over all New Zealand; almost in every town competition for public positions is greater than it has ever been before, and this competition foreshadows the future which is above briefly indicated. It is the magnitude and seriousness of the problems with which the 'future is fraught that is accountable for local government enthusiasm, and the rush cf men to offer themselves for public servico It is rumoured that there is to be competition for every seat at the local Council table; we hope rumour will materialise into fact, for nothing tends to the performance of duty like a strong opposition. What every candidate should bear in mind is that however much he may consider himself a heaven-born legislator, he has to assist in evolving the very best in company with his fellow councillors. No man who desires and will persist in having his own way, and failing to get

that will refrain from giving- his serI vices in evolving the next best thing, j has no right to offer himself for a'pubI lie position.