CONSERVATISM AND PROGRESS.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 22, 19 September 1911, Page 5

CONSERVATISM AND PROGRESS.

To the Editor. Sir-I see by the Otago papers that the progressive movement at Owaka ito form-a Town Board met with a set back at the meeting of the Clutha County Council. Some of the councillors did not see the necessity for a Town Board at Owaka. From the knowledge 1 have gained since coming to the North Island Main Trunk country of the development and growth of the many townships here 1 cannot but conceive of this as a cruel injustice to the people of Owaka. Kverv little township along this line has its own governing body, and the difference _in footpaths and general appearnce is most markeh. Surely the last census should teach some Otago counties that a stubborn conservatism is spoiling their advance. Nearly two years ago when this place desired a Town Board the Rangitikei County Council did all in 'its power to help the movement, and before that it sanctioned loans, without any bother, for the improvement of the place. The consequence is that, though this place is not much bigger than Owaka, we have good roads, asphalt footpaths, trees planted along the thoroughfares, and are just now in the midst of an electric lighting and water supply scheme. Owaka, 1 know, has the means for this too, and when she is beginning to rise up and shake herself free of mud and apathy, it is surely a crime for the County Council to push her back into the mud again.—.! am, etc., .J.CHISHOLM Mangaweka,Sept, yth.l9ll.