Feilding’s Increased Population

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 265, 9 November 1945, Page 2

Feilding’s Increased Population

Quite possibly the revised figures from tho Census of Feilding’s population will reveal that the 5000 mark has been reached although the figures announced show that tho total is 4990-, just 10 short. Tho increase revealed over the 1936 figures amounting to something under 500 can be regarded as very satisfactory. Based on the development of residential building over the past decade it was assumed that the town’s population had reached the 5000 mark and it is likely that this will be found to be the case when the figures are finally checked and the borough is credited with all of thoso who were absent when the Census was taken. The fact that the population of the borough has risen steadily is a matter for congratulation but it should not bo left at that. It is of importance that every citizen in tho borough should realise the civic responsibility which rests upon every one of us to further the best interests of the town. Too often this is not acknowledged, .simply because many do not appreciate that as citizens they have an equal responsibility in contributing towards attaining the very best possible amenities and services. Feilding can only be what its citizens make it. This does not mean that the job of developing and expanding is the task of the business interests alone. It does mean that the privileges enjoyed by established business call for recognition of an obligation to give the best possible service to the community. Business cannot be viewed apart from the community because the community is represented in business either through the breadwinner of the family or througn sons and daughters in employment. This angle is not often thought of when there is talk of what business ought to do to help the town. After all, business can not do more than what the community is prepared to do and the community has the chance of reflecting its wishes through business quite as much as it has of acting independently by becoming vocal iu urging the claims of the town. There is the question of pride in one’s town. This calls for cultivation and can best be reflected through practical measures to improve the home and surroundings, the thoroughfares and the business premises. Dull, decaying buildings aro not inspiring objects to dwell upon. Recently there has been a very noticeable improvement in the direction of renovation of business premises and it is surprising what the application of fresh paint will achieve. A good deal of this sort of activity is now being manifested and there is no reason why it should not grow in the spirit of making the town worthy of its population and inevitable expansion.