country

Taupo Times, Volume XII, Issue 52, 6 July 1965, Page 1

country

to building up an aeceptance of the council's decisions and actions. "These deci^ions and actions might not always coincide with the editor's views, but a council does not make decisions without extensive investigation and conpideratipn, and, as I have indicated, the local paper could (and, I believe, should) help to mould the people's thinking to an acceptance of council's proposals. "Constructive criticism is helpful but it should always be remembered that councillors, with the well-being of the community in their minds, have given valuable work and consideration to a project in the light of information available to them — and sometimes to them alone. "The pressure of modern life makes it almost imposslble for the reader to even scan a portion of the multitude of pages which constitute the big papers. "But in the country newspaper, he can find the items that interest him most — in a few minutes. The smaller journals are the best avenue for the local businessman to place his advertising. The national product can certainly take its full page in the metropolitan daily (at what a price) but the trader on the corner in the country town can reach his buying public more effectively in the local paper. "Usually the country newspaper has a job-print-ing department. This business is thereby kept within the community and the newspaper becomes a part of the'Tmsiness community and helps to foster local business. The country newspaper is essentially a "family special" fit for all to read, no startling headlines and accounts of sordid events. One can always leave the local paper laying around. There is no fear of reading matter being unsuitable for the young reader. "Apart from one page for women, they have little opportunity to publicise their activities in national dailies. Not so in the local paper where all community affairs are given the prominence they deserve. "There are 38 country newspapers affiliated to the association from Kaitaia to Balclutha and I have four of them in my electorate. "I am proud of my electorate and of the energy and vision of the people. I am also proud of the country newspapers in my area and especially of the Taupo Times who on several oecasions have won the association's awards," Mrs Stevenson concluded.