TARDY PROGRESS.

Evening Star, Issue 25708, 4 February 1946, Page 9

TARDY PROGRESS.

TO THR EDITOR Sir.—Your leader on this subject is worthy, of greater _ support than it appears to have received. Is there anywhere a communtiy so long-suffering and indifferent as Dunedin? Judging by our rate of progress in matters calling for ordinary reasonable attention, it will be at least 10 to 15 years before a tremendous undertaking, such as the conversion to trolly buses, can possibly be accomplished, or perhaps even commenced, flow may one expect otherwise when, for example, the matter of rectifying the deplorable condition of our city and suburban streets

appears to be beyond the capabilities of the civic authority ? I doubt if there exsts in any other city of the Dominion a main tram route in such a shocking state as obtains on the section between Maitland street and tiie Glen road. it is no use blaming the war lor this, because the condition has existed fot at least 10 years. No money for, or attempt at, tar sealing—nothing but weeds and loose metal that is washed into the rails,' street channels, and sumps at the first shower. Take a look at the Glen road, and in fact almost any suburban street, and a condition little less than disgraceful will be found, totally inconsistent with all the loud talk lately of civic progress. Even St. Kilda has left the city far behind. How remarkably droll to notice a little used street behind Carisbrook receiving attention while these inexcusable conditions are permitted to remain in perpetuity in more important and residential areas. , Why tliis muddledoro and neglect? For what purpose are our rates being used other than to provide salary increases, to officials out of all proportion to the value of the unsatisfactory result of their services to the city ; justifies: No other city in the Dominion would allow these conditions to exist or continue without adequate reason. From a comparison with the North Island towns, the conclusion is reached that penuriousness, lifelessness, _ lack of vision and progress in the civic authority, combined with absolute indifference of the public, are the responsible causes of our degenerated state. I recall some correspondence in your columns at the latter end of December,, referring to women's rest rooms, pensioners' cottages, and other matters calling for some support. Though J could strongly agree with your correspondent's comments, I was unavoidably unable at the time to askf your indulgence. But, even so, I find'that not one citizen has been sufficiently interested in the advancement and well-being of his city to an opinion. We are content to let things drift, to suffer muddledom, incompetence and inaction. While this evidence of public apathy continues to exist, we are deserving of no more than we are receiving. Rather remarkable also to find that, while Littlebourne House could not be made available to our own people, at present in dire need of proper shelter, it can suddenly be adapted to provide lavish accommodation—and a dozen or so phones—not for the rank and file Dutch refugees, but more likely to satisfy the urge for comfort and convenience, of what might be termed the upper strata.—l am, etc., February 1. The Green Archer.