From Our Own Correspondent
ORPI NG I ON
In a praiseworthy attempt to take Christianity into the market place, Orpington Christian Social Council last year appointed a Commission to enquire into the question of apathy in local government.
Taking as its keynote the view that interest in local government should be regarded as a Christian duty and as a practical expression of that love of one's neighbour which is within everyone's capacity, the Commission sought the views of men distinguished in civic affairs, attended its the public gallery of the urban district council meetings. and held a conference to which all organisations in thc area were invited.
The Christian Social Council have now published the result or their deliberations.* It should he of particular interest to all C.P.E.A. members (a member of Orpington C.P.E.A. sat on the Commission).
* Your Local Government. Why Apathy? (The Orpington Press, Orpington. Kent. 4d.)
There is is foreword by the Council's Chairman. Mr. Hugh Redwood, wellknown author, journalist and lecturer, who from the depth of his experience says long before the war civic apathy was making itself disastrously felt in many different departments of our national life-political, social and religious-and this has persisted and even grown id spite of all that the war has
sie deepen to deen community feeling and
EXISTENCE OF APATHY It was generally agreed. the. Report
states, that there was apathy Orpington U.D.C. pre-war voting was 30-35 per cent.. which is above the average for the country), that this was a serious defect and that in view of the wider responsibilities likely to be placed on local authorities it should he remedied.
As to reasons for apathy. the Commission state they realise this was largely due to the prevalent irresnonsible attitude towards life and the failure to hike duties of all kinds seriously.