MAYOR’S APPEAL TO CITIZENS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22365, 12 September 1934, Page 14

MAYOR’S APPEAL TO CITIZENS

His Worship the Mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox) in an appeal to the citizens of Dunedin says:— A very strong committee, representing many of the prominent corporations of the city, including the City Council, Otago Harbour Board, Hospital Board, Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Manufacturers’ Association and other organisations, has been formed in order to promote a “More Work Movement ” in Dunedin. Some time ago, the citizens of Bristol organised such a scheme, which resulted in a great fillip to trade, and was the means of restoring many unemployed men again to industry, where they were able to earn a full week’s wages and perform work for which they were both by training and temperament eminently fitted. The general improvement effected was of such a character as to meet with approval from the neighbouring cities, which readily adopted the same ideas under the title of the “ Bristol Scheme.’' The movement has now spread through the Empire, and to many cities in America, with beneficial results. It is now proposed to make an effort to get £50,000 worth of work put in hand in this city in the next few months.

Imagine what an impetus this will give to industry and trade generally. Hirst- the factories that have had difficulty in keeping going at half-speed will hum with the merry sound of machinery going full speed ahead. Men and women will be busily employed creating furniture, clothing, boots etc., to fill the depleted warehouses and shops. Retailers will be very active again for the circulation of £50,000 will greatly extend the purchasing power of the people. Places of amusement will be thronged, and life will again regain its normal pose. The way to effect this desirable condition of affairs is for everyone who has been • contemplating improvements to their property to put them in hand at once. Call your tradesmen in, get him to give you an estimate, and if it is satisfactory, instruct him to put the work in hand. This will mean that builders, painters and many other classes of tradesmen will enjoy a revival of business. If one trade revives, then immediately Others feel the benefit. Remember the slogan “Do it now.” Not only does the foregoing apply to the improvement of property and home comfort, but let it apply to personal appearance. How many men have through force of circum-

IMPETUS TO TRADE AND INDUSTRY

stances forgotten the existence of their tailor, clothier and hatter? Now is the time to remember them; let there be a re-clothing drive. Surely we have been sombre and drab long enough. Indeed, it is time to cease being shabby. There is an exhilaration about being well dressed. And if this applies to men, then how much more to women? What a boost it would be to trade if every woman came out in this bright spring season decked in new and gorgeous display! Nature is giving the lead. Earth is being clothed again in new beauty. Foliage and blossom again are adorning tie trees, and Nature is new in every leaf and flower. There arc no resurrections in her garb. New buds burst into leaf and blossoms. Leave then the dead past hidden in the wardrobe, and, arrayed in new splendour, meet your fellow-humans in the delight of new attire! And do it now! Think, too, of house decorations! Are not many of the rooms in need of redecorations? A bright paper on the wall, some new pictures, a few choice ornaments would create a new atmosphere in the home. •< Hence! loathed melancholy! Hail the new bright and joyous era! Do it now!