MUNICIPAL EXTRAVAGANCE.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 405, 11 February 1904, Page 5

MUNICIPAL EXTRAVAGANCE.

ID THE EDITOB. Sir,—ln a former letter I said I intended to have something to say re the above matter. Ever since the Borough Council stupidly allowed themselves to be inveigled into the wretched Tucker Hill water scheme, they entered upon a course of extravagance, and have not yet stopped. The item 'professional expenses' looms large. The other night an accouat for £BB 13s was passed, in favour of a professional gentleman, and that is on.y a part payment Ratepayers would like much to know what the whole bill of professional casta amounts to. Now, where is this highly-paid-for skill to be seen 1 Not in the design of the costly reservoir, which falls far short of what it should be; neither b any shown in the design of the pipe bridge across the Mannherikia, a structure squatted down many feet below high-water mark, anfl which will no doubt be swept away some day. So much for the skill of professionals when left to themselves, with a good prompter. They are like the dame's teapot: they can pour out abomt as much as has been poured into them. Of late the Council have been remitting rates without any justifiable reason. When Councillors are inclined to be charitable, they should put their hands into their own pockets, but not dive deep into the other fellow's pocket, and so have cheap honour. Last Council meeting i piece of business was transacted, for which councillors may sorely blush. £2O was remitted to a firm of budding auctioneers. What have these men's services been to the ratepayers for which they have not been amply paid, and ft is robbing the ratepayers to make these kind of concessions and create unnecessary billets to justify an illegal act. A treasurer, indeed! To keep the keys of an empty treasury I Ratepayers cannot help thinking that the town clerk is well paid without having inspectorships thrown at him. Again, an extra dayman is appointed, to absorb more of the Borough revenue»-an utterly unnecessary billet The ratepayers of the Borough should wake up, and demand to know how long thiswantoa extravagance is to continue and the Borough revenue made ducks and drakes of. There is another matter which it may be premature to mention—that is, the Molyneux Hydraulic Co.'s overture to the Council to rent the whole of the water of the Town race. Now, taking into consideration that several councillors hold-dual positions on the Council as persons interested in the Hydraulic Company; is it to be expected that the Borough will have an advantageous deal. But I am getting beyond the bounds ol an newspaper letter and must conclude by advising other ratepayers to keep a strict watch as to the business carried on in the Council. Thanking you in anticipation.—l am, kv~, RATEPAYER; Alexandra, Feb 3rd, 1904.