THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1907. OUR MUNICIPAL FATHERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8403, 18 April 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1907. OUR MUNICIPAL FATHERS.

We think there are many who will agree with us in saying that the most Unsatisfactory feature in connection with municipal affairs in Masterton is the pronounced apathy of the general public. Lack of interest in regard to matters, which should be of lively concern to us, is not good at any time, and can usually be easily explained, or the causes defined. The apathy to which we refer is due possibly to three causes, vague general satisfaction with the work of the Borough Council, ignorance of municipal matters and a poor appreciation of the possibilities that a live body of City Fathers may accomplish. Very little intex-est is being displayed in the approaching municipal elections, and we regret it. If mayoral and municipal elections were keenly contested in Masterton, we feel sure that we should have a better towji altogether. It would be more presentable in appearance, we should derive greater benefit from municipal conveniences, the town would be more attractive to visitbrs, and trade would be further stimulated thereby. In making these few remarks we do not wish it be thought that we are anxious to adversely criticise the Borough Council, which is just going out of office.

Far from it —that Council was, we believe, composed of earnest men of considerable ability, and the year's administration, on the whole, must be regarded as creditable. If munici pal improvements in Masterton are going to be kept up-to-date, if we are going to have it acknowledged i that ours is a progressive town, if we are going to attract visitors and permanent settlement as we hope to | do, then it is essential tfyit our Borough Council should be composed of men with progressive ideas, and with the grit to carry them out. Undertakings that are neccssai'y to improve and develop the town mean expenditure, and sometimes the 1 expenditure of large sums, but neither the Borough Councillors nor the burgesses need be afraid of expending money to a reasonable extent. What is of paramount importance is the manner in which money is expended, that is, whether the actual administration is economical, or wasteful. Some time ago we supported a loan for £25,000 —we would to-morrow support another loan, for equally as large an amount, if it could be shown to us that the money was required for desirable improvements. The expenditure in Masterton last year, although involving a large sum, was, we consider, carefully made, and on satisfactory lines. It is quite true that the overdraft of the General Account has i risen rather suddenly and considerI ably, but this was inevitable. The loan of £25,000 was, of course, earmarked for different purposes, and it is questionable whether the amounts allocated to the different works were in the most desirable proportion. Then again Masterton is growing very rapidly, and there is so much maintenance work to be done that it is questionable if the general rate should not be increased. However, the Borough Council can look forward to a larger general income than it has enjoyed in the past, for when the new valuations are made there will be a large increase in the amount paid in rates.