The Waipukurau Press. Tuesday, July 17, 1906 WAIPUKURAU.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 17 July 1906, Page 2

The Waipukurau Press. Tuesday, July 17, 1906 WAIPUKURAU.

« —- At the rarepayers’ meeting the other evening, the Chairman of the Town Board, in the course of his interesting speech, expressed the opinion that it was not likely that two towns situated so close together as Waipukurau and Waipawa could both grow to any size: one would likely become a city, while the other must remain a small centre — a township or village. We do not know what precedent Mr Chambers has to go upon, but we could instance facts that are certainly contrary to his contention. Just at present we have in mind Stratford and Eltham.in Taranaki. These towns are about five miles apart, but each rapidly developed into flourishing boroughs; and they certainly have not the scope of excellent country to back them up that the Hawke’s Bay towns possess. We have found from experience that, all things being equal, the development of a small town into one of importance rests chiefly with the enterprise of its leading citizens —it’s a poor place that cannot boast a few go-ahead men. Towns that know no opposing factions or cliques—where all work together for the common good—invariably prosper. We admit this is an almost impossible position ; still there have been rare instances of its existence. The chairman also urged the keeping of trade in the place : this advocacy apparently very pleasantly tingled in the ears of local patriots- From its geographical position and many natural advantages, there seems to exist no reason why Waipukurau should not become the city ; at anyrate it will become the class of town that its public men choose to make it; there is plenty of material for a large, healthy concern, without watching or wondering how the neighboring settlements are faring