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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 100, 3 June 1914, Page 6

There are signs that Christchurch is awaking to the fact that even a city may need advertising to its citizens. In times past, The Sun -has referred pointedly to the lethargy that has permeated the bones of this town. Putting its preaching into practice, this paper, with a view to stimulating public interest/in such a matter as the erection of a Town Hall, provided facilities by which a general expression of opinion could be obtained as to the most suitable site for such a building. The response was in every way satisfactory. At various times, in pursuing this subject of civic apathy, we have reminded our readers that in practically every important centre but Christchurch the citizens were being encouraged to take a healthy interest in the improvement and '' boosting" of their city. It is an American idea, which has been worked with success in the Dominion. However, though Christchurch has hitherto been content to-drag along in the old neglectful way, appearances are against such a lackadaisical policy being long continued. A local industries week is all very well in its way, but a carnival on the lines outlined by Mr Hopkins at a meeting of the Industrial Association held yesterday—a '' publicity demonstration,'' which proved a big success in Napier, a few months ago—would assuredly appeal to a greater number of people, not only in the city itself, but in the province, too. Of. late there have been outcries at the lack of patriotism -jehown by the passing over of the locally made goods for the imported article, which article, in many cases, is actually inferior to . the one produced at home. Such a carnival as was pictured by Mr Hopkins would do a little at least towards enlightening the purchasing public as to the necessity for supporting local industry. The idea met with a warm reception from the Industrial Association, and we trust that the proposal will be spiritedly taken up throughout the city. The various local bodies, headed logically by the Industrial Association, should make preparations for the organisation work as soon as possible. The public requires lengthy notice of such innovations, and it will mean plenty of hard work to get the foundations of an ambitious Mardi Gras well and truly | planted. Better months of steady, i coherent planning than a haphazard rush in the last few weeks.