PROPOSED PURCHASE OF THE GAS WORKS BY THE CITY COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 3862, 10 July 1875, Page 2

PROPOSED PURCHASE OF THE GAS WORKS BY THE CITY COUNCIL.

To ike Editor,

Sir, — I am a piocerty-holdvr and large ratepayer in the city of Dunedin, and em, therefore, interested in its advancement, as also in its municipal properties ; and I see from the report of tho City Council meeting in your paper of tho Bth mat. that there is to bo a special meeting of that body far tho purpose, among others, of considering (he offer made to them by Mr Ritchie, of tho Dunedin Gas Works.

I have no wish to injure, or in any way depreciate the value of Mr Ifankpy’s property; but, as a ratepayer, beg to make known my objection to » lio works being purchased at anything approaching the price askc 1, us I am of opinion that very much superior works o,an be erected for L 40.000, or possibly under. I was pleased to notice Mr Fish’s outspoken remarks ou this matter on Wednesday evening Inst, ai.d am in hopes that many more of the members of the City Council are of his mind ; but, in case there should be a majority in favor of purchasing, I would beg respectlully to suggest that his Woishlp the Mayor call a public meeting of tho ratepayers, and get an expression of opinion fiom them before tailing any steps with regard to the purchase ; and, if the meeting decide in favor of purchasing, it will remove all responsibility from tho City Council; and the ratepayers will only have themselves to blame if it is found that they have got, not only a dear, but also an unsuitable bargain, which I feel sure would be the result.—l am, &c,, Dunedin, July 9.