The Hawera Star. THURSDAY JANUARY 6, 1927. OPUNAKE BEACH CHARGES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 6 January 1927, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

THURSDAY JANUARY 6, 1927. OPUNAKE BEACH CHARGES

Delivered every evening by 5 o’clock in Hawtra, Manaia, Normanby, Okaiawa. Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Alt-m. Hurleyville, Patea. WaverXey. Mokoia, Whakamara, Ohangai, Mert-mere, Fraser ■Road and Ararata.

In their reply to the letters of "Visitor” and "Another Visitor,” published in the Star on Monday and yesterday, prominent members of the Opunake Seaside Improvement Society refute the suggestion that a charge was levied upon those who visited the beach on holidays. Their statement of the position follows the lines anticipated by most reasonable people. The society is carrying on a worthy work on behalf of the public and its efforts are undoubtedly appreciated, as shown by the vice-president’s statement that a large sum has been raised over a fcv\ years and expended on beach improvement. The society’s reply to our correspondents does not, however, completely disabuse the mind of the idea that the collection was made in a manner which left visitors little room for escape from contributing. Those who work for the betterment of conditions at the beach may find it difficult to excuse the person who does not desire to subscribe to such a worthy cause, but they have to remember, in fairness to the reluctant contributor, that to many holiday makers coming from a distance Opunake is merely an attractive beach where there is sea-air, sand, and salt-water to be enjoyed—they know nothing of the work and enthusiasm of those residents who have laboured in order that the spot should be made more comfortable. It is probably trucin most cases —it is certainly true in gome—that reluctance on the part of the visitor to contribute is created, not, by the amount of money involved, but by the fact that he has to pay anything to enjoy something which is Ins by inalienable right. It is, as one of our correspondents “not the shilling but the principle.” It. is a question of psychology, rather than of cash, and if the society makes its appeal with tact and consideration for the feelings of visitors it will doubtless find that the shillings will be contributed freely and that the few- who stand upon their "rights” will be more than compensated for by the generosity of others who appreciate the publicspirited action of the men and women who have added to the charms of Opunake.