WORKERS FOR THE CITY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 88, 13 April 1917, Page 6

WORKERS FOR THE CITY

It is the.chief purpose of democratic government to see that the will of the majority, faithfully interpreted and wisely directed, shall prevail. The greatest obstacle to the attainment of this purpose is presented by the. apathetic attitude of the people themselves to all bnt a few of the greater public questions. In local government, with biennial elections, the people have every opportunity of recording their ' desires \ by electing to office those men who are deemed most capable of bringing into operation the reforms which have popular support. But tihe duty of the citizens does not end there. It is necessary that a city shall have a vigilant public, constantly alert, as well as competent governors. Spasmodic public interest in civic affairs invariably results in .indifference and carelessness | incessant public 'attention, firmly and judiciously directed, on the contrary, stimulates the activities of those in power, and where the people desire reform so urgently that they are moved to express their wishes plainly and directly that reform -will inevitably be brought about. This month the people of Wellington will have an opportunity of reviewing tihe work done by the civic authorities. It is, of course, recognised] that the municipality's activity in regard to schemes requiring loans has been limited by causes arising out of the war, but there are nevertheless important questions calling for attention by the City Council. Prudent administrative work and finance are admittedly outstanding essentials. The milk supply problem is yet far from solution; town-planning presents many difficult propositions, which procrastination makes no simpler; and municipal housing and fish market schemes have yet to receive effective treatment. It is therefore-necessary that electors should carefully consider all these matters and elect to office men 'who are capable of distinguishing things practical from things visionary, and who will make their two years of administration a ■ period of substantial progress. The war has greatly increased the need for efficiency in municipal politics. It 'is a critical time, and if Wellington is to maintain its proud position the services are required of men who will work for municipal advancement on broad, sane lines. Nominations close at-

noon to-morrow.