THE SPIRIT OF PROGRESS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 March 1939, Page 6

THE SPIRIT OF PROGRESS.

MASTERTON has given concrete evidence for some time past of its power to concentrate and bring to a successful issue any movement which is for the general benefit of the town. The recent functions held in aid of the funds of the Beautifying Society and the Y.M.C.A. is an example. Splendidly organised, though at considerable personal effort, they produced results which must be considered very satisfactory indeed. In every section of our civil life it is pleasing to be able to record the fact that there is an activity worthy of the best traditions of a people noted for their keenness to support movements which will contribute to the progress of a town of which we are all justly proud. Our businessmen have provided the citizens with examples of their ability and keen desire to boost Masterton and compel admiration for a town which is prepared 1o help itself substantially along the road of progress. The patriotic spirit of our citizens has been manifested during the last few weeks in a manner which does them infinite credit. Business people and private citizens have combined to demonstrate to other towns that they are seized with the need of keeping their town and everything it stands for modern in every sense. The shops and the' goods they carry would be.a credit to a far bigger town than ours, and the service provided is not surpassed anywhere in New Zealand. Our businessmen are fully alive to the requirements of the people of today and their establishments are kept up-to-date in every respect. Consequently, residents now realise that it is more profitable to themselves to trade in Masterton than elsewhere. And it is right that we should organise and support each other in our efforts to improve our town both from a civic point of view and that ol trading. In sport, we are endeavouring to place ourselves on a level with bigger communities, and the establishment of baseball, the national game of America, is an indication of this and of the willingness of the business community to assist employees to obtain enjoyment from healthy pastimes. Masterton citizens may well feel proud of their local patriotism and their willingness at all times to help their fine town along the road of progress and prosperity.