The Ensign. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1911. THE MUNICIPAL LOAN.

Mataura Ensign, 3 November 1911, Page 4

The Ensign. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1911. THE MUNICIPAL LOAN.

The lucid and interesting address delivered by the Mayor on Wednesday evening deserves the thoughtful consideration of every ratepayer. Mr Poppelwell struck a note of optimism in his remarks which is backed by the assurance felt by most that the town nust progress and, to ensure that, certain paths must be made clear along which that progression shall be made possible. The extension of the water and drainage schemes is a distinct step forward and we have no doubt that The loan will be carried when the opportunity is given to the people to express their 'opinions. It is a regrettable fact that that condition of affairs which may be described as municipal apathy is not entirely absent from the town, in common with other centres; but the Mayor's happy construction of the somewhat disappointing attendance at Wednesday's meeting that the ratepayers are satisfied with the scheme outlined and that the proposals are in the best interests of the borough in which their interests lie, probably explains the position. It is imperative that this scheme of extension of water and drainage should be carried out, to keep pace with the growing of the town; and if for no other reasons than economic it should, in our opinion, receive the sanction of the ratepayers. Too many people take a parochial view of such schemes, and if that spirit of municipal unselfishness is instilled into them which will teach them to sink their own especial desires for the common good the Mayor will not have spoken in vain. The day of locating the residence of the chairman of the local road board by observing that the last lamp-post is opposite his property is gone, we hope for ever; nowadays we are persuaded that Majors and councillors labor for the common good. The financial, which is the most important, showing of the proposed borrowing scheme is sound and provision has been made for the whole borough, water extension being allowed for 32 streets and drainage in 34. The increase in rates is insignificant and is entirely outweighed by the benefits to be accrued. The statement that ratepayers and their wives are entitled to vote serves to remind the mothers of the town of their privileges in this connection, giving them a chance to help along the progressive movement which will benefit them in their daily life just as much as if not more than the breadwinners.