Correspondence

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3160, 27 April 1931, Page 5

Correspondence

To the Editor

(Published by arrangement.) Sir.—ln view of the fact that lam a candidate in the forthcoming- Mayoral election 1 would like to ask your permission to place before the public my views on certain matters. It is my belief that it is a duty incumbent on all residents of any community to give whatever assistance lies within their powers towards the advancement of that community. When a citizen has become a permanent resident and has resided long enough to acquire a knowledge of the requirements of the town and district in which he lives I think it is more than ever his duty to devote a portion of his time towards the betterment of the district in general and the town in particular. I was asked to accept nomination for the oflieo of Mayor at the last election hut 1 then declined as I did not consider I was fully enough conversant with the needs of the town and district. I did not like to accept the responsibility that the office involved, particularly in view of the fact that 1 had not long returned to the district after an ab ence of ten years, during which time many important changes had taken place. I feel more qualified now to understand and realise the potentialities and requirements of the district and to recognise the directions in which advancement is to be sought. It is my desire to see Cromwell the leading town of Otago Central and so far in the lead that none can challenge its supremacy, f want to see the town looked upon as a model of. what an up-, to-date progressive town should be. The town must take a prominent part in all matters of municipal progress, and must lead the way in providing facilities for its residents and inducements for strangers. The town must be the first to champion the cause of the district which supports it and "so assure its own future and prosperity. I would like to sec Cromwell Ihe commercial and sporting centre of Otago Central surrounded by a progressive and thriving district, f believe that a more comprehensive policy of afforestation should be undertaken by the borough. The town has numerous a'cas of land that would be vastly improved by the planting of trees." In this locality where many young trees are killed by drought it is necessary to plant and re-plant until success is achieved. 1 would strongly advocate the afforestation of the Town Belt and sundry reserves. Another matter that requires immediate attention is drainage. The time is fast approaching when the Health Department will compel the borough to put in a satisfactory drainage system. 1 do not think we should wait until the Department takes action as it might find the borough unprepared to go on with the work. Plans and specifications should be made immediately and tenders called so that financial arrangements can bo made to put the job through. If arrangements were put under way immediately it would be possible to have a complete system of drainage in two years. 1 think the ! horough should take a leading part in advocating the needs of the district. A great deal of support can be given to tho Hydro-electric and Irrigation movements. The fostering of the mining industry is another matter in which the influence of 'the borough should be exerted. Ail matters confer an indirect benefit on the borough and are matters to which the borough council should devote a considerable portion of its time. I notice there is a reserve of about 30 acres past the Town Belt and this appears to me to be ideally situated for an air landing ground. We all recognise that aviation has come to stay and that it is. merely a matter of a few years until'there are air services .going through' Otago Central. If Cromwell . wants to keep its place in the scheme of things it is absolutely essential to have a good air landing, ground. 1 think this reserve should be level i.d and sown down and converted into ah air port.. I have been particularly asked to say something in regard to Victoria Park. 1 must say that I am inclined to sympathise with those who maintain that none of the park should have been given away in the first place. The damage is now, however, done, and nothing can be gained by regrets. | nnl strongly in favor of giving sporting bodies every facility. I want to see Cromwell the sportiug centre fcjr Footba.ll. Bowls, Tennis, Croquet, Golf. and every branch of sport, and 1 think the borough should assist, all clubs to attain that leading position. It is a duty upon the borough council for it will react in favor of the town. That being- bo I think the borough must do something to insist the tennis club which is unci j ibtedly cramped for room, and turning away young members because there are not sufficient courts to give thfi'.n a game. At the same time 1 tb-nk that the town must have a pla.v.'ijarea, for the young- children. This ;s a. recognised modern cqujpmon! of all progressive towns. | have been advised l».v competent authority that there is ample room in the balance of Victoria. Park for both children's piaving- area and for additional accommodation tor (he tennis club, It would be my endeavour to put in l.otb -projects and I am assured it can be done satisfactorily. I think that better use can be made of the Unemployment Levy than at present is being done. J think it is quite right to level up the footpaths but [ think wc can do a lot better with the Government money than spending it on the streets. Jf the men nvrc put on planting trees 011 reserves and Endowment lands, or i n doing preparatory work towards the drainage 'system we would have a much more substantial 1 improvement. The borough water race, pipe lines, reservoirs, and mains require attention and I think that the Unemployed could be more advantageously engaged i.i this work. I have been very much surprised lately ' at the amount of, time devoted by the j borough to matters of minor import- I ance while bigger issues are awaiting i attention. lam informed that the ' Victoria Park matter has been before the council tw mop the;. This does not appeal to me us business-like and 1 think that al| matters should be decided definitely and expeditiously. Ihe people put the council there to conduct a business not an argument. In conclusion may 1 sav that my sole object in seeking- ' election 'is t> see Cromwell take no and maintain a leading position in all things in Otago Central. We have natural assets sufficient to make the town the unequestioncd capital of Otago Central, and it will be mv endeavour, if elected, to see that every effort is made to foster and exploit these natural assets for the good of the district in general and the town , in particular —I am, etc,, ) J AS. C. PARCLLL. '