The Waipukurau Press. Published: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1929 ITINERANT TRADERS.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIII, Issue 150, 18 December 1929, Page 4

The Waipukurau Press. Published: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1929 ITINERANT TRADERS.

A matter-of great concern to the retailers in Waipukurau was brought before the " Borough Council at its meeting oh Monday night, by the. Chamber of Commerce. In a.lengthy letter, the Chamber advised that at a recent meeting, the question of the Borough By-laws, as affecting hankers or pedlars, had been discussed. It was felt that insufficient protection was afforded’ shopkeepers of the town, in that travelling pedlars were enjoying the many priviliges which the local shopkeepers did not have, particularly with regard to the hours in which they might conduct their business. The Council was asked to look into the position, with a view, if possible, of affording some relief. The matter was thoroughly discussed by the Mayor and Councillors, and while admitting the anomalies that existed, the Council did’not see its way to effect much improvement in the position, which, apparently, was surrounded by legal and technical restrictions. Throughout this district a small army of itinerant hawkers are plying their calling, to the detriment of established traders, the majority of whom are large ratepayers. In view of the fact that the business community in the various towns contribute largely towards the rates, it is necessary that the local body concerned should keep a sharp look-out for the itinerant hawkers, and compel them to pay whatever fees have been set down in by-laws to meet their case. Competition in the towns is now SO keen that business firms find it a difficult matter to make both ends meet in legitimate trade; therefore,'those hawkers who have no rents, rates, etc., to pay, should be discpuraged as much as possible by local body and by local, residents alike. The first duty of a community is to its own established trading firms, and this fact should not be lost sight of when the hawker is paying his call.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY. Z The apathy displayed by ratepayers in municipal elections, polls for loans, and even in elections of members of the House of Representatives, has been a matter of comment in recent years. New Zealand is apparently not singular in this connection. Some pertinent editorial comment appears in the “Municipal Review of Canada,” following a complaint by the Mayor of Montreal concerning the apathy of many citizens on voting day:—“What does a vote mean? That the one who exercises it is part of his own Government, be it Federal, provincial or municipal. It means democracy in the highest sense. And this partnership in the Government has been costly. Men have fought, ,and. even died, .to obtain it. And yet, too many will not exercise their dearlybought right. And who squeals i the loudest if a poor Government is elected? The man or woman who did not vote. And who elects a bad Government? Those who voted for it —and those who did not vote. And who is a bad citizen? The man or woman who does not do the citizen’s duty and vote. We citizens are compelled to perform certain duties. If we are called to act as jurors, we must go. If we do not act, we are fined. Why should not -the nonvoter be fined also? He has neglected a civic duty. Let him be punished. If a citizen neglects any civic duty—except voting—he is fined. Why make an exception in this case? If every voter was compelled to vote, there would be more interest in every election.”