LAKE COUNTY MAIL No. 10. Wednesday, July 30, 1947. “WHO CARES?”

Lake County Mail, Issue 10, 30 July 1947, Page 6

LAKE COUNTY MAIL No. 10. Wednesday, July 30, 1947. “WHO CARES?”

It was with much regret that we observe the apathetic attitude of citizens towards the activities of the Progressive League. This apathy has been carried to such an extent that the annual meeting of the league, to have been held last Wednesday, lapsed as a result of nonattendance of other than committee members. Over the past few years many sound reasons can be given for .the inactivity of citizens pursuing the objects of the league. Plans to meet future demands of both residents and tourists alike, how, ever, must be fully discussed and implemented without delay. Other tourist centres are making strenuous efforts to provide for and capture our trade. It may take them, years to achieve their objective, similarly it will take Queenstown years to retrieve its loss. The Progressive League can do much to guard against such a disaster.

Whilst it is admitted that almost every resident of Queenstown is directly or indirectly dependent on the tourist trade, the principal beneficiary is the businessman. Although he may refuse to admit this it is nevertheless a fact. Let Queenstown be stripped of its climate, scenic beauties and lake attractions overnight and we would readily realise the effect such a catastrophe would have on the majority of its population. Employer and employee alike would be swift to move on to pastures new. Who, then, should care?

It is the duty of employer and employee to unify their efforts in making Queenstown the best tourist town in New Zealand and worthy to rank as one of the principal tourist resorts in the world. Such an achievement can be attained if we personally and actively support the league. Tlie amenities and facilities established through the activities of the league are not only enjoyed by tourists but also exist for the permanent use of local residents. In such circumstances the local bodies and Government authorities must accejit the appropriate degree of responsibility, The league, however, should act as the liason body between the people and the civic and Government authorities.

Only from the attendance at the annual meeting, postponed and now to he held next week, will we know “ who cares? ”