PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 57, 22 November 1907, Page 2

PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

Political agitation lias conic to be recognised as practically the only channel whereby results arc achieved in the matter of public works. ll is not an enviable state of affairs, and it is to be regretted that provision for departmental necessities should be dependent to a large extent upon the volume of clamour maintained by those interested. It is also obviously unfair to the smaller communities, I whose voices are easily drowned by those of larger districts. Still, as the hoary adage hath it, " when in Rome it is advisable to do as the Romans do," and " New Chum's " letter, which appears in oru correspondence column is worth consideration. The need lor public buildings in Te Kuiti has long been felt, and in advocating a system of agitation for the purpose of filling our most urgent requirements, our correspondent strikes a note of common sense. As is pointed out, the votes on the Estimates may be allowed to remain there for an indefinite period unless those most interested bestir themselves, and represent to the authorities the urgency of the cases. The paltry building, at present used as a Post-office, is in the first instance totally inadequate for the requirements of the place, and the fact that every telephone message sent away can be plainly heard outside the building is a matter of anoyance to business people in general. In addition, the building was only secured as a temporary office, and it is the manifest duty of the Department to supply suitable premises at the earliest possible moment. The only way to induce the authorities to act is to agitate, Hardly less important is the need for a decent Courthouse and, under present conditions, the difficulty of maintaining the dignit)' attached to the administration of justice must be severely felt at times. Moreover, the health aspect of the question has to be considered. At times the Court is forced to make lengthy, sittings, and all who are acquainted with the hall which is used as a Courthouse studiously avoid a lengthy stay in the building, especially during the winter. There is also a prospect of the present hall being turned to private use entirely, and with the prospect of having to hold the Court sitting in the open air, or a tent, the Department should surely be induced to expend the amount voted for the purpose. " New Chum's " letter is all the more welcome, as it indicates an awakening on the part of residents to the advantages of press publicity in discussing matters of public interest. It is to be hoped a good example will be widely followed,