SELF-RELIANCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16503, 2 August 1919, Page 9

SELF-RELIANCE.

AND GOOD ROADS. (Auckland Star.) The sanctioning by an overwhelming majority of a loan of £5-1,000 forp the making of good roads around- Kail-aiii is a very encouraging sign that the Far North is realising the truth of tho proverb about self-help. The awakening of the Kaitaia district to a sense of its opportunities has been one of the brightest features of North Auckland development in tho last few years, and the energy and self-reliance displayed in this determination to have bettor roads should bo an example to the whole Northern community. It is a commonplace that tho Far North needs better roads. What is not so well known is that the Far North is itself largely to hlnmc for present conditions. Members of the Parliamentary party that toured the Far North in 1917 were greatly struck, not only by tho bad condition oi the roads, but by signs that people were too much inclined to look to the State for help instead of taking -off their coats and working for their own betterment. Disinclination to spend money on roads, because such spending would- raise rates, which in some cases were absurdly low, was noted. Mangonni County has done well to break away from this tradition, and go in for a comprehensive reading scheme, which is sure to bo of great benefit to the district. When there is so much apathy among ratepayers towards loans for improvements, it- is good to seo that on a roll of 526 in tho Kaitaia district, 405 voted, proof of tho success of the- pains taken to arouse interest- in the scheme. By carrying this proposal and by so huge a Majority as 382 to 22, the people up there have given a lead which other parts of the Far North would do well to follow.