The Press FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 1954. Public Interest in Local Affairs

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27367, 4 June 1954, Page 10

The Press FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 1954. Public Interest in Local Affairs

The proposed establishment of a federation of residents’, ratepayers’, and burgesses’ associations in Christchurch is possibly of less interest than the discovery by the inaugural meeting that there may be as many as 30 of these district organisations in the municipal area. This is evidence of a healthy public interest in local affairs, although polling figures show, unfortunately, that it is shared by too few citizens generally. These local associations have some value in criticising and encouraging local authorities, which are aware that continuous scrutiny of their actions, and occasionally of their inaction, is maintained by a few enthusiasts at least. It is probably of more consequence that ratepayers’ associations do give the ordinary citizen an opportunity to have a minor and unofficial share in local government, an opportunity that becomes rarer as local authorities grow in size and responsibility. Not all associations are continuously successful, their influence usually waxing and waning as district issues arise and are settled. They are also subject to the danger of domination by small groups with some special interest to serve, although this usually does no great harm in the long run. A man with an axe to grind soon identifies himself; and either his association deserts him or its voice no longer commands attention. If the formation of a central federation stimulates vigour and greater public support for the district associations it will serve a valuable purpose. No doubt it will be able to perform some useful routine services for them; but the biggest benefit it can confer is to attack the electoral apathy which has marked local government in the last few '■years. The standard of local government has been surprisingly high considering the lack of support its members have received and the lack of control exercised by the public. Continuance of this high standard cannot be taken for granted as long as the public appear uninterested. Interest can first be shown by supporting ratepayers’ associations and by making them responsible organs of public opinion.