SELF-HELP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 20 March 1928, Page 4

SELF-HELP.

We have already to-day referred to one cheering phase of local enterprise and public spirit, and it is pleasing to be able to record another effort which, though it has different aims and objects, arises out of a similar sense of responsibility for the maintenance of the public good. This second effort originates with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which to-morrow will present an afternoon’s entertainment at the show grounds with the object of augmenting its general funds. The Association has been the target of •some public criticism, -but it. Ims answered its critics on at least one point—it has, by the ambitious attraction arranged for to-morrow, given proof that it is indeed willing and anxious to help itself. It is well known that the Association needs all the financial assistance it can obtain at the present juncture in its history, but it is to its credit that it has not contented itself with merely sending out distress signals. The executive members, assisted by other members and by private •individuals upon whom the Association’s only claim is one of goodwill, •have thrown, themselves into organising to-morrow’s gymkhana with an enthusiasm which deserves well of the public. In the announcement which is published elsewhere in this issue, pub" lie-spirited citizens will recognise that there is also an apepal to their “local patriotism,” and doubtless many will give their patronage irrespective of the entertainment that has been arranged for them, but, judging by the list, of attractions which has been compiled, the others who recognise no duty to support an institution, the continued' existence of which is essentially in the interests of the whole district, will find that they are not being asked to give something for nothing. They are assured of receiving their money’s worth; as an entertainment of a' kind which is not often available to dwellers in a provincial town, the gymkhana bears its own claim to public support. ! It has been stated by some of those who have been more free of their-criticism of the Association .than of their 'helpfulness that the district is lacking in that public spirit which distinguishes some of our neighbouring towns, but to-morrow’s fixture disproves that contention so far as actual workers (as distinct from, talkers) are concerned. The whole of the entertainment and all the assistance at the gates l , on the grounds' and in respect to the catering, is being given voluntarily. There is a real “get together” atmosphere about the whole of the effort so* far as its producers are concerned, and it now only remains for the public to display a similar spirit, remembering all the time that they will get value for their money, to provide an ample reply to those who take pleasure in seeing no merit in anything progressive which'peTtains to their own district.