MY DAY TO GROWL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 68, Issue 5945, 19 May 1944, Page 3

MY DAY TO GROWL

ABOUT THIS AND THAT LIFE’S VICISSITUDES—AND ITS PLEASANTRIES (By A. Growler) ( -.The chief topic of interest is the .forthcoming municipal and county elections. Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce is congratulated on the success that attended its efforts to create greater interest in the local elections. The Chamber succeeded in a far greater measure than the most optimistic ever dreamed of. The committee set up to find candidates is also commended on the work it put in, for its members interviewed quite a large number of likely candidates. The number (twenty-eight) for the Borough Council not only constitutes a record but indicates a healthy spirit of interest in the town and its affairs that is pleasing after a lack of interest in previous years. Electors now have the material with which to build a Council that will have the welfare and advancement of Te Awamutu as its one and only aim. Due regard will have to be paid to the financial aspect of each and every improvement and amenity that is proposed.

It is fitting, I think, that a tribute should be paid to the retiring Mayor, who has rendered excellent service to the borough over a lengthy period of years. For a man in a large way of business to step in and take an active part in the administration of the town’s affairs, as Mr Armstrong has done, indicates a high sense of publicspiritedness that is an admirable trait in character. During the past three years the Mayor and his councillors have had a hard row to hoe, made so by the war, especially as we were at one stage threatened with an invasion by the Japanese. Such a contingency called for effort not only in the cities but in every part of New Zealand, and Te Awamutu did not lag behind in that effort. Many local matters had to give way to the larger issues involved, and any judgment passed on the retiring Council should be considered in the light of those unsought difficulties. Mr Armstrong has earned a well-merited rest, and though people often are not so articulate as they should be I feel sure that all will say a big “ Thank you ” to that gentleman and wish him, together with the Mayoress, all the best in their retirement from office. In regard to Mrs Armstrong, it is pleasing to know that she is going to continue the excellent work she is doing as president of the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee.

It is inevitable in all local body elections that the personal element should enter in, but it should not be allowed to do so to the exclusion of all else. Ability and experience should count, and it is to be hoped that those qualifies will not be overlooked by electors not only in Te Awamutu but throughout New Zealand.

One phase of meat rationing that should not be allowed to pass unchallenged is that of meat for pets. Almost every household possesses either a cat or a dog, and in the past quite a few owners have purchased some of the hitherto coupon-free meats for them. The animals must live, and some provision should be made for meats for them. It is a matter that affects thousands of people up and down the countryside.

Glancing over the above paragraphs I notice that I have not growled. Dear me I Yes, I knew there was some-thing to find fault with, and that was the fact that I had been overlooked by the committee set up to interview people with a view to their standing for the Borough Council. My qualifications ? Well, I am not a ratepayer, so could be free with other people’s money; and I have been instrumental—ahem !—in getting some greatly-needed improvements to the pedestrian crossings in the town. I am a good growler, and very often if one growls long enough —and loudly enough—one gets something done. However, it’s too late now, but perhaps next time I will

be asked to offer myself. I would have made the twenty-ninth candidate—and there’s luck in odd numbers.. * * * *

It was a privilege to attend the Light Horse Association’s hunt meeting. That body, in common with other organisations of a like nature, is doing a tremendous amount of good in keeping alive and fostering the art of riding. Especially is this so in the mechanical age in which we live. Most boys are mechanically-minded, so it is fitting that country boys should not be allowed to let the motor age swamp them entirely to the exclusion of a love for horses. There are town people, too, who love a horse, and by that I do not mean the love typified by race-goers. It was pleasing to see at the hunt boys and girls taking part in the sport provided.

May I be allowed to suggest to the candidates for the Borough Council that they have the Town Hall and each could, in a five minutes’ speech, place his or her views before the electors. The latter, I think, have the right to know those views, and also the right to see and hear the candidates in action. Quite a number of the aspirants for Council seats are unknown to the majority of electors, so that I think my proposal has merit in it. In Hamilton the members of the Progressive Bloc have and are addressing meetings in batches. In regard to the Mayoralty, the same suggestion applies, only that the time allowed would be greater, of course.

The farmers have, in my opinion, a good case against a five-day shopping week. Especially is this so in towns which are the centre of large farming areas and communities. It is not always convenient for all farmers to be in town on the recognised farmers’ day. One can easily visualise a piece of very necessary farm machinery breaking on a Saturday and replacement being impossible owing to the shops being closed. The farmers have a very real and legitimate case for opposition to the proposal of a fiveday shopping week.

A disturbing factor in our civic life of late has been the failure of several juries to act in conformity with the solemn oath they took to return verdicts in accordance with the evidence. There is no need to particularise, but the thoughtful person has been given food for grave reflection, for the administration of justice in a fair and unbiassed manner is the greatest bulwark in our life, and juries have an essential and important part to play in that phase of our civic well-being.