THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1924. THE POLL TO-DAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19333, 20 November 1924, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1924. THE POLL TO-DAY.

The ratepayers of Dunedin should not need to be reminded that this is the day for the taking of the poll upon the Highway Loan proposal. The questions at issue have received a good deal of prominence during the past few days, — though not more than their importance merits. And if any members of the community are still unacquainted with the circumstances and considerations that apply, and ignorant of what hangs in the balance, the fault must bo ascribed to their own apathy and indifference. It is to bo hoped that the endeavours to arouse public interest in this poll and all that depends upon it will bear fruit in the magnitude of the vote that will be recorded. The responsibility rests with the citizens to decide whether an exceptional opportunity of improving their city shall he seized or neglected. According to the manner in which they vote, Logan Park, with all its magnificent possibilities, will either be attached to the city as a permanent recreation reserve, meeting the requirements of tho present and the future, or disappear save in so far as its name may survive as a melancholy memory of what might have been. The lack of vision of those who cannot perceive where’ the interests of their city lie in relation to the questions at issue at the poll is almost beyond belief, hut it is to be hoped that it is not at all widespread. There are ratepayers who are incapable of seeing beyond their own suburb and their own street. They might as well live anywhere for all the interest they are prepared to take in the general wellbeing and progress of the city to which they belong. Any appeal to a sense of civic pride is in their case useless. Tho members of this community who come within this category will, however, surely be - hut ah inconsiderable minority. A display of public spirit which deserves recognition has contributed to tho creation of this great opportunity of acquiring Logan Park and of effecting an immeasurable improvement at the “front door” of this city. We are confident that public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of securing these great and permanent benefits at a cost which commends the proposed loan as a splendid investment. Bat it is not all-sufficient that the great majority of the citizens should he in favour of the loan proposal. It is essential that those who realise that the loss of Logan Park would be a reproach and cause of regret for all time should go to the poll, determined by recording their votes to avert any such calamity. Past experience has shown that while opponents of loan proposals can be depended upon to express their opposition at the polling booth, the supporters are too often content to trust in Providence and in the energy of their neighbours. It is highly important, therefore, that all who have the best interests of this city at heart should rally to the support of the Highway Loan proposal and make a point of recording their votes.