The Press. TUESDAY, MARCH 19. 1912. THE CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14307, 19 March 1912, Page 6

The Press. TUESDAY, MARCH 19. 1912. THE CITIZENS' ASSOCIATION.

Tho Christchiirch Citizens' Association may fairly bo congratulated on tho ■ result-of its first year's working, although wo agt'eo with tho retiring president, that the membership ought to bo largely increased. There are very tiound reasons why tho ratepayers of Christchurch should tako a keen interest in municipal affairs. We all desire to see tho city progress but it does not invariably follow that increased expenditure means increased progress, Tho rates arc steadily mounting up, and will increase still further unices a watchful eye is kept on the expenditure and general administration. .- A very important proposal which must shortly come up for consideration is tho Mayor's road improvement scheme, about which there aro serious differences of opinion, and tho Association is doing good work in stirring up tho. interest of the citizens in this question so that it may receive duo consideration. There aro other ways:in which the Association may do good work not only for tho city but for tho em-rounding districts. As was mentioned at the meeting last night, the election of members of the Tramway 13oard is about to tako place, and it is said that some of tho ablest members are Bot seeking re-election. We join with Mr Free in hoping that tho Association will bo able to induce -men of

>rward and

Ido its best to secure their return. There is about half a million of money locked ur> in our tramways, and constant pressure is being applied in a way that is likely to lead to wasteful expenditure- instead of the interests of the citiaens being strictly conserved. It is essential that the tramways should be managed on eound business lines, ami to ensure this wo must be careful to elect only men of business capability, who can bo relie3 upon for the faithful discharge of their trust. Wo hopo that every ratepayer of Christchurch will henceforth take a moro lively interest in municipal affairs, and, as a hoi') to this end, wo should be glad to see a largo number of new members joining-tho Citizens' Association. It would assist to bring about this result if an energetic canvass wero set on foot to enlist new members.