The Waikato Independent THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1927. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVII, Issue 2765, 31 March 1927, Page 4

The Waikato Independent THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1927. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Our Civic Duties.

In the course of a very short time the municipal elections will be held throughout the country. So far as Cambridge is concerned, citizens at present; appear apathetic over the matter, a fact that is greatly to be rcgroted, for we do not need to be reminded that lack of a proper interest in thcse.'.eTdctions spells for tljo. most part enco and stagnation. Unfortunately honest service of tho public does not always meet with appreciation. , Of course, to those concerned there is alt' ways a largo measure of reward in. the knowledge that one has done his or her best to render some service to his follows, but, as a rule, the citizens of any i .own or district, lake those services, often given, at groat personal inconvenience and sacrihcc, as a matter of course, and consider that their chief privilege is to find fault if things arc not done to their liking. There is no; doubt whatever that, there is much need for an awakening of a sense, or our responsibilities—our duty to Ino town and district .where we resile, and to the nation;to which we owejsp much. If all those qualilied to 1111 publvt; officii? or actively assist in the social welfare of the• community wire available, the burden would not fall on the few, and better service would resell, Under the existing conditions—and this applies • particularly to Cambridge—it is. no uncommon experience for one man to be seen struggling to do justice to multifarious offices, usually forced upon him, while a host of critics, resembling the spectators at a football match, leisurely watch the progress of events, and reserve the Britisher’s privilege of •‘growling” .if things are not to their iiking. There are many people, who through sheer indifference, laziness or selfishness, do not identify ‘themselves with- any movement calculated to advance the. interests of those around •them, and.the “willing horse” is load-, ®d with duties that should be shared by other citizens.' While it is much to be regretted that things are so, the fact remains that a great amount of public work must bo done by someone,'and if those best fitted to do it will not bear any part of the burden, they should not grumble if others make a mess. of things. It needs a certain amount of self-sacrifice for a'man to be a- live and useful member of a borough council or other local body, but surely ■.■ there..; are those who are willing to show their loyalty in a practieal way. We hope the Cambridge public will take this matter seriously to heart, and that those who have the necessary qualifications,, and feel that they can serve thiv towh [ or- district in an official capacity will not be hindered by the possibility of making enemies, or losing a little bus in ness connection, but will become candi-, dates for municipal honours at the forthcoming elections. In this connection we think that the loss of business through public duties is a bogey that :s. frequently over-emphasised. Granted i that there are a few narrow-minded people who' may allow their, ignorance, bias them in this way, but we firmly believe that the great majority of the people would never allow an honest difference of opinion on public matters to interfere with their private business relations. If ft member of a local body does his. duty fearlessly and conscientiously, the public will, as a rule, recognise that fact, and make due allowances for. lionesty of purpose, even if.: they differ with the line, of action)' taken.

Cambridge Town Hall.

At one time Cambridge residents were wont-to point to their Town Hall with pride; but that was long, long ago. Now, although we can still have pleasure in showing the exterior of the building, for very shame’s sake we hang our heads and look the other way when visitors accompany us inside the hall. The furnishing of the hall and its decoration were evidently never given that'attention that‘might have been expected, even when: first erected. Practically nothing has been done for years past at any rate, towards the maintenance of interior, with the result that at the present time the hall presents a shabby and dilapidated appenrancc that is a positivo disgrace to the town, and is more in keeping with a third-rate Maori township in the backbloclcs than a town like Cambridge that'claims to bo a show town and to have an interest in aesthetics, The seating accommodation consists of a few vermin-fill-ed padded sogts in shocking disrepair, with ripped padding, broken arms, etc., uncomfortable hard wooden chairs, of various designs, and a large number of unsightly ri'Skotty forms, some of which are in a state of disrepair that makes them dangerous to those who use them. The wall decorations (save the mark!) are crude and unsightly, the blinds tattered, and generally the building is in an exceedingly bad state —insanitary, unsightly, and a very bad. advertisement for the town. The rents charged for use of the hall are quite equal to, if not higher than, those of halls equally large and- infinitely better appointed in other towns. It is also the only building that can be used for gatherings of any size, in the town, and is in frequent use. It is generally believed it brings in a handsome return to the Borough Council. Therefore, its neglect seems altogether incomprehensible. In view of the forthcoming municipal elections, the time is opportune for citizens to demand an explanation of the present state of the building, aDd secure an assurance of the matter being given early, attention, for the good name of the town, and "in the interests of the public health.