WYG Public Opinion Poll replies

WYG Public Opinion Poll . - Some replies (from the Gabby Archive)

This Public Opinion Poll was quite a big operation. Unfortunately of the 100 "at random" questionnaires sent out, only twenty replied. So it is not a big enough sample to draw any conclusions. However I have extracted some results which reflect thinking in this year of 1951. These are direct transcripts from the report.

What do you think will be the most important election issue next time?

Many did not answer, but of those who did the majority thought:-
HOUSING; others were Cost of Living, Nationalization, Britain’s recovery under Austerity Planning, Foreign Policy.

7. “Do you believe that Party Politics are required in the running of Local Government?”
93% NO 7% YES

8 “Do you think that a candidate for a seat in Local Government should declare his party political leanings in fairness to the electors?” (Hey, 'bit of a loaded question here Gabby?)
50% YES 50% NO

There were several questions about The Church; attending; its power; Sunday sports etc. Here are some of the comments that came in….

The Church

The Church to me is dead. Get back to the Mission Hall days.

On this question (Churche's power in the State) I am not sure, and think that it needs more thought, It is possible to solve many problems if the Churches would unite.

Most Clergy are careerists, and do not set an example as required by Jesus Christ, who was humble, but seek to exalt themselves socially and financially.

Religion in the sense to which you refer should be very completely disestablished.

The Church should not have any influence in the state. Its duty is to influence the individual for better and cleaner politics.

In answering NO to Sunday Sports I refer to big-crowd attractions such as soccer, speedway etc. I have no objection to individual sports as for instance a round of golf, tennis or indoor winter games.

And here's a comment to the question...
Is there a general lack of interest in Local Affairs?.

The reasons are well known to everyone. In the running of local affairs and the administration of public funds the guiding factor should be the necessity of any proposed scheme for the general benefit of the public. Each scheme judged on its merits or demerits and party politics having no part in the consideration. In my opinion there will be no community life in Wimborne until its inhabitants first learn to be good mixers. At present it suffers from a form of guarded snobbery.

Following are comments sent in re. Do you favour the proposal of a clock tower in the Square?

Any building which might obstruct vision in the Square would be a nuisance, and the choice of building and design would be most controversial- in fact we would have to rely on the decision of the elected council.

I think that a great deal of thought should be given towards a project such as a large enough hall to hold about 500 people before thinking of clock-towers. Why not a swimming pool? I know it costs money but surely over a period of years both these projects would bring in an income and provide necessary exercise and recreational facilities for all ages.

We desire more access to our rivers such as walks, seats, paddling, swimming etc, also Community Centre with Central Hall for Plays, indoor events, etc.

Could not private enterprise supply the clock in the Square?

I think if some money was spent on some pedestrian crossings it would do more good than a clock being put in the Square.

No car park is required in the Square. Wimborne is a nice town, but far behind the times.

Finally a direct scan of the report dealing with entertainment.

Public Opinion Poll results dealing with entertainments

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