CIVIC INACTIVITY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12748, 20 April 1909, Page 4

CIVIC INACTIVITY.

Interest in the municipal elections, nominations in connection with which close tomorrow, is not nearlj so great as it should be, and that so many should be so apathetic about publi2 matters which immediately concern them is much to be deplored. A few correspondents during the last day or two have been trying to stir up the dry bones of civic apathy, and endeavouring to influence that public spiritedness which is so essentially necessary where municipal matters are concerned. For the Mayoralty of Wanganui there are three probable candidates, but there seems some doubt whether there will be sufficient candidates to fill the vacancies on the Council. It is understood that- Crs. Harris, Harkness, and Purser are seeking a rest from the cares, worries, and responsibilities incidental to civic life, and Messrs Battle and Muir will not be standing for the Council as they are engaged in the Mayoral contest. New blood is wanted, but unfortunately there 6eems to be a great reluctance on the part of many to take a share in the management of the borough affairs whose experience and interest in Wanganui qualify them for the position. It is a matter for regret that the important functions which devolve upon the local authorities have too often been permitted to fall on the shoulders of a strictly limited number of- persons, and not always those best fitted 'for, the tasks they essay. Citizens to whom the public have a right to look for light and leading will not come forward. Some say their business takes up so much of their time and attention that they cannot find time to devote to municipal affairs ; others who live out of town, in the suburbs, do not; care to sever themselves from the fireside on a winter evening to attend Council or committee meetings, while others aga ; n say they do not feel disposed to be made the butt of the adverse criticism which often falls upon the shoulders of our public men, and they are not inclined to sacrifice their dignity. Thus it is left for meu of but moderate ability and for a few willing workers who have served the public in the past to offer to continue the duti^ they would be pleased to be relieved of. All this is very regrettable. The responsibilities entrusted to local bodies, especially municipalities, require the exercieo of intelligence and practical knowledge. Every year the area of municipal duties ;s; s being steadily enlarged, and the^ financial basis of municipal lifo alone might well employ the best business ability that the modern municipality can produce. Here in Wanganui important undertakings are pending, such as the extension of the tram services and gas works, alterations to our water works, the erection of a rubbish' destructor, and improvements to our parks and streets — works that demand on the part of those who control and supervise them a wide practical experience and general knowledge. How very necessary it is, then, that a 'strong and efficient Council should be returned, and we hope that by to-iuorrow at noon, when the nominations close, it will not be said that the citizens best qualified for the important dutios they will be called upon to perform have displayed a lack of that sense of the duties of citizenship which they should possess, - ]