Another Delay As the chief elder said, on 30 hectares, no one should have underestimated, especially in the agricultural cooperative of Malëshova, the consequences of the dry season. The main reason, according to which they were affected by a lack of moisture, was that the crops were delayed in growth. A shortage that would be felt in the yield. This prompted the specialists and the cooperative leaders to take early measures to ensure irrigation in the autumn. Nearly 6,000 meters of irrigation canal were opened with the cooperative's own means. Two shallow wells were put into operation, the pumping stations were repaired, and the pipeline network was expanded. However, at a time when work was needed at a faster pace, delays appeared in some sectors. In the third brigade, the 52-hectare wheat plot remained without water for days. Work did not go as it should have in the maize block either. The cause? Poor organization of shifts, lack of fuel, and negligence in the maintenance of the machinery. These shortcomings caused damage that could have been avoided. Now greater responsibility, daily supervision, and the mobilization of all forces are required. Water is life for crops; delay is a direct loss to production.

SPRING IN BUTRINT (Photo by A. Dhamkaj)

In implementation of the decisions of the Political Bureau and the government's guidelines for improving work in the trade and supply sector, many cities and districts have adopted measures to increase control, improve service, and expand the production of consumer goods. Nevertheless, a number of unacceptable phenomena continue to appear. In some commercial units there are shortages of everyday items, delays in distribution, and a mismatch between people's demand and the supply structure. This situation is the consequence of a reality that should not have been neglected earlier. The leading bodies must analyze the causes responsibly, identify responsibilities, and take immediate measures. The people want not excuses, but concrete solutions. Only through work, discipline, and better organization can service be improved and people's confidence increased.

Portrait The freer movement and the greater number of initiatives in economic and social life have led many cadres and specialists to think about returning to their birthplace and contributing there. One of them is [illegible text], who, after completing his studies and working for years in the city, has returned to the village of his birth to help develop agriculture and culture. He speaks lovingly about the people, the customs, and the landscape of the place where he grew up. 'Here are my roots,' he says, 'and here I want to give my best.' His example is valued by the fellow villagers and by the local authorities.

The numbers speak To let the common people fall into economic hardship, and then appear before them with empty justifications, is unacceptable. Instead of taking swift measures to stabilize the market and improve living conditions, in some cases action has been delayed. Citizens themselves feel this in the long queues, in the shortage of goods, in the weaknesses of service. The relevant authorities are called upon to listen more to the voice of the people and to rely on their initiative. Welfare and dignity are not slogans, but everyday requirements of life.

(Continued on page 3) Yesterday, in the premises of the National Historical Museum, a commemorative event was held dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the death of Fan S. Noli. This thematic afternoon was attended by researchers, writers, artists, and lovers of literature and history. Presentations were given on his life and work, on his role in the national movement, and on his contribution to culture, translation, and journalism. Excerpts from his creative works were read, and Noli's distinguished personality as a patriot, thinker, and cleric was praised. The participants emphasized the need for his work to be more widely known among the younger generations.

[partially illegible text] ... in practice we still do not manage to understand sufficiently the necessity of changing the style of work. There are leaders who continue to think that an order from above is enough, while life demands conviction, argument, and responsibility. Even when steps forward are taken, they are weakened by a lack of consistency and by the fear of making decisions. Hence the ironic question arises: how on earth has the rose become this? meaning, how can we expect blooming without work, without prepared soil, and without constant care? Only a profound change in mentality can bring visible results.

By Vjosa Tosos Political developments in the eastern European countries have also raised in our public opinion a great interest in the processes of reforms and in the new social movements. In the Soviet Union these changes are taking on profound forms, influenced by the policies of glasnost and perestroika. In Moscow, more than anywhere else, the spirit of public debate, of a more open press, and of the clash of ideas is being felt. The new parliament, elections with alternatives, and the growing role of the citizen in political life are giving signs of a political dawn. But this dawn is also accompanied by difficulties, economic uncertainty, and strong opposition. The future of this process remains tied to the ability to face the crisis and preserve stability.

LOGRËT From Olldashu the writer [?]

OLD CITY, NEW CITY (2) THE SONGS OF ALBANIAN LIGHT MUSIC (3) THE MAGAZINE WITH WHITE WALLS (4) NEW HEADLINES IN THE SERVICE OF WORK (4) STRAIGHT FROM ABROAD TO THE HOMELAND (5)