THE NEWEST CITY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 139, 16 June 1930, Page 8

THE NEWEST CITY

Three years after the celebration of the borough jubilee, Palmerston North has gained the population entitling it to rank as a city. The new dignity mil set a seal on the position which Palmerslon has long held as the most important inland town of the North Island. Palmerston owes its prosperity in part to the natural advantages it- possesses as the centre of a highly productive and fertile area, and as a busy transport junction through which passes the great bulk of merchandise and produce for the northern part of the Island. The advantages of the site were perceived by the pioneer founders, and they have never been lost sight of by their successors, who have built prosperity on the foundation. The value of this central situation is shown in the importance attained by the agricultural and pastoral shows held at Palmerston and in the selection of the locality for Massey Agricultural College. But natural advantages would not have achieved so much had there not been enterprising and progressive use of them. Palmerston has been fortunate in the men who have shown energy, vision, and foresight in building for the future. The town has all the amenities required in an up-to-date civic community, and wise management has provided these without overloading the finances of the borough. Not the least creditable achievement of the Borough Council which will shortly attain the dignity of a city council is that disclosed in the state of the accounts. Palmerston will enter on its city era with a credit balance—a remarkably good omen in these times.