TE AWAMUTU COURIER Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays FRIDAY, 11th JULY, 1947 WHAT OF THE CITIZEN?

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 75, Issue 6394, 11 July 1947, Page 4

TE AWAMUTU COURIER Printed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays FRIDAY, 11th JULY, 1947 WHAT OF THE CITIZEN?

OPINIONS expressed during discussion at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce last Tuesday pre-sup-posed that people are unlikely to evince more than casual interest in the arrangement of pre-election formalities in readiness for the municipal elections next Novemben Admittedly there is little to suggest enthusiasm; in fact, it is remarkable that there is so much laxity in our community, making it most difficult to interpret or define public interest because of the withholding of an outspoken public opinion. Perhaps it is that easy living conditions beget selfishness apd indifference, for it can surely be said that there is little to encourage personal incentive or zest in the quest for sustenance. The result can easily be the lessening of personal endeavour. In these days, too, there is a marked drift towards leisure and recreation, and it is noticeable that many people regard their complete responsibilities of citizenship to have been discharged by their membership of such sporting or social organisations as cater for their individual pleasure. Conceding that that phase of citizen organisation is justified, even necessary and deserving of every encouragement, it cannot complete the civic establishment. There remain those organisations which touch upon the administrative or developmental activities more directly affected by the exercise of the franchise. Under a democratic constitution it is permissible for all citizens to assist in fashioning and directing civic affairs. Actually the statutory enactment is merely empowering, and the responsibility is left to the people to first elect representatives and. to then guide in the measures or extent of enforcement. And that, at this moment, is what must be seriously contemplated. Strangely, some people will approach these questions with timidity, offer-

ing only cautious suggestion and venturing criticism only in an irresponsible manner. They will foolishly state their desire to avoid discussion or debate. This, surely, is a form of cowardice which is difficult to explain or understand. Actually nothing could be more wholesome or beneficial than a cross-section of opinion after preferences have been openly stated and critically examined. In our civic administration, with a revenue of about £30,000 per year, and with important and far-reaching problems ahead, there is cause indeed for alertness and constructive endeavour. The first and essential of all requirements is a proper and outspoken indication of public desire. Behind that lie the organising capacity and the constructive ability of the community. Let it be hoped, therefore, that the anticipation of the Chamber of Commerce of a sluggish

public response to this present call for action will prove a poor estimate of the willingness of our citizens to accept the challenge of responsibility.