OPEN COLUMN

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 5 January 1916, Page 7

OPEN COLUMN

This column ia open to the free expression of & -opinion tinder certain restrictions. All letters Inusfcfbe signed with the correct .name and address of the sender. The signature iB not for-publication unless desired—and we -shall take it that it is,so desired if no nom-de-plume likewise accompanies the letter—but as -evitifcce of bona fides. .„ Letters should not exceed 300 words in length, and preference of publication will be accorded ..short letters, provided they are deemed of sufficient interest. Letters will be condensed or rejected as the •editor deems fit.

Correspondents should write on one side of the paper only —in iuk, and aa clearly as •^possible.

. NATIONAL AND LOCAL IMPROVEMENT. I noticed a " Times " comment:— A'tNo overdue accounts should be allowed to run far into the new year." « The Chinese endeavor most earnestly to finish ev&ry year "all square." ,They- cannot rejoice on their New Year's Day if they are not fully paid. In this, as well as a few other things, some white men might with advantage ■imitate the despised yellow race. Eor example,, reverence of parents , v and regard for a business toode*'of , honor. As we study others j%e may improve ourselves. Do we need to ini- /■••'■■ prove.? I think so. My view may seem strange to some, but I think .if '■■ wo had better national characteristics roiir progress not only in this district fyut in th« Dominion would have been greater. Earnest and genuinely, pro- - gressive ideas would have secured rjpial close settlement and a larger population, here as well as throughout New Zealand. Each individual considers himself only, and is-satisfied to drift so long as the drift be notactually uncomfortable. There is local as well as Dominion and national application of this. Civis.