SOCIAL SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 123, 25 May 1923, Page 5

SOCIAL SERVICE

CULTIVATION OF CIVIC SPIRIT

DUTY OF ALL CITIZENS,

"Civic pride" was the appropriate title of an address given yesterday to the "V" Luncheon Club by Mr. G. Mitchell, who urged his audience to cultivate the spirit of social service. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) presided, and in introducing the speaker, said it was time Wellington, whose city was eulogised by visitors from abroad, was appreciated and more highly spoken of by its inhabitants, who would do well to remember the habit Aucklanders had of praising their city. Mr. Mitchell said the man who lived for self alone was not fulfilling the duty of service to his. neighbours, for which purpose he was placed on the earth by the Creator. Gifts had been conferred on men, not only for themselves, but for the benefit of all. A small band of men in actual practice carried the burden of social service where societies and organisations were few. The obligation on the citizen was to consider what he could do to beautify his surroundings and make conditions better for those who came after him, and then to act. The citizen's duty was to expedite the march of progress, for what was tolerated in one age was not tolerated in the ages following. Unfortunately, too few wero the numbers who fought for improvements in roads and railways, for better recreation facilities, for the amelioration of the conditions of life generally. Mr. Mitchell, continuing, said the life of ;i public man under present conditions was arduous. For three years he had not been at a public entertainment. He, however, felt it his duty to perform what public service he 4 was capable of, and when lie one day went to his grave he would have had the knowledge that even if he had failed he had tried to do good. (Applause,) Referring more particularly to Wellington, he said he was pleased a "better roads" policy had been embarked upon, and Wellington might now look forward to a new railway station. Ifc had been somewhat of a coincidence that on the first evening of his chairmanship of the Harbour Board he had had to open the tenders for the new sea wall, a work he would'try to hasten as a preliminary to the new station.

Mr. Mitchell appealed to those present to devote their talents to tho service of their fellows. -It was their duty to, press for big works that would be of service and permanent advantage. The needs of the future could not be ignored, and Wellington had advantages —it was healthy, got .plenty of sunshine, and was the centre of trade and commerce. The duty of Wellingtonians was to foster ■ civic pride, and express it wherever they could. (Applause.) The speaker and Mr. Wright were accorded hearty votes of thanks.