IN THE PEOPLE'S SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27541, 8 November 1950, Page 6

IN THE PEOPLE'S SERVICE

To members of the local bodies in Otago, as their present term of office nears expiry, an expression of public appreciation is due. Too often is their work taken for granted. Local government knows no remuneration, and its greatest reward lies in the satisfaction derived from a task well done. Ready to criticise, but chary of praise, the general public is a hard taskmaster. The past few years have been exceptionally difficult for our local bodies—rising costs and the scarcity of labour and materials have been attended by an increasing demand for new and improved services on top of extraordinary maintenance requirements. A great deal has been achieved, particularly by the City Council and the other major local bodies, and the people who expected wider achievements must concede that their councillors and board members have had <to strive to meet the limitless price of progress with limited finance and facilities. Cognisance should not be lost of the Unfortunate position in Dunedin, with 1949-50 costs on one hand and a 1939-40 population on the other. At the meeting of the City Council this week, the retiring Mayor referred to the large number of accomplishments by the council —the planning for the present and the future—and the retiring Chairman of Works drew attention to some of the difficulties encountered. While time, which has no sentiment, often throws the errors of the past into bolder relief, the present should never be an occasion for past regrets or future fears. The experience of the past should strengthen the enthusiasm for the future. There are tasks ahead for both the city and the province, but while the obstacles may loom large they are not insurmountable. The present councillors and board members have earned the distinction of good citizenship; those embarking on a new term of office this month will inherit not only positions of great trust but also of great opportunity.