UNOFFICIAL ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1929, Page 3

UNOFFICIAL ASSOCIATION

A writer in a North Island news-'-paper remarks that one of the most'deplorable features of. 1 oiir civic lifeE is the lack of a really intelligent interest in local affairs on the part of the: public generally. Here and there an individual citizen shows a fine’> sensei of patriotism and is keen to do'what-he can for the city, but too often a. lhan like this has his ardour damped by the cynical ’criticism of. apathy of his fel-. lows, arid the coihmuhity is the ptoorer . because of"his lost interest." Citizfens 'if this stamp should be encouraged, and in one or,othef of the local unCfficial associations they will find ample vent for their enthusiasm. Some people might look upon these enthusiasts. ascranks arid ask ridiai .is the use ofiyit all. “ Wliat liave you done? ” “ What can you do?” they ask, failing completely to realise that it is riot so much the function of voluntary organisations to do things as to start tilings, to investigate, to bring about co-relations between different people, individuals C and bodies,'to foster a healthy civic pride, all of which result's in getting a ihovemerit' started in the right direction. ..

A prominent town planner, speaking - on this veiy theirie, said: “ One fault, I think, in * municipal government, is that our councils do not learn as well as they should learn how to use" vblutntary associations. Jealousies develop too easily, the suspicion grows that such a body, anxious to do public service in some' way or other, infringes upon' the prerogatives of the elected council. It does seem t 6 me that that the' wise Mayor and the wise councillors are the men who' will use voluntary associations to the' best’ advantage; and just iri proportion as councils do so they become stronger themselves and do better service for the community.” ' v '