THE GAS QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 3885, 6 August 1875, Page 3

THE GAS QUESTION.

To the Editor. Rtr, —Your morning contemporaries are not distinguished for their truthfulness, wisdom, or impartiality, and if any evidence were wanting to uphold this conclusion it would only be necessary to refer to the leading article in the * Guardian ’of yesterday’s date It impugns the contact of between 500 and 000 citiz- ns in meeting assembled, and endeavors to establish the theory that the electors should express no opinion on any civic matter for the guidance of their representatives in the Council; but should simply call upon them to resign when their acts are not approved. I, for one, shall always contend there is no course so legitimate as for the citizens^torment from time to time to canvass and criticise the acts of their public men. In the old country we owe the glorious stability of our public institutions to this salutary custom, and 1 hope our new City Council will follow good example and pay the utmost deference to such a respectful and busi-ness-like expression of public opinion as was calk’d forth at the public meeting held on Friday last. I deny that Mr Hutchison stated or admitted even by inference that ho had got up the meeting for his sole private advantage, as alleged by the ‘Guardian,’ and it is equally insulting and ridiculous for the Guardian to state that over 500 citizens would so far stultify themselves as to subscribe their names to anything against (heir eon-Hcn-uce, interest, or common sense, to promote individual interests. The ‘ G uardiau ’ assumes that the meeting did not discuss the object for which it was called, viz. : “ The gas supply, and to obtain suggestions for amending it in the future.” Mow a reference to the resolutions passed will ho ample to show that the subject was discussed in an umi.-,ually effective, manner. Mr Hutchison’s explanations were only such as he was entitled to give, and the public to receive; ami there arc few people in the City interested who do not since! e’y hope tha'. no motives false economy will prevent the Council coiling to their aid such services its Mr Hutchison can place at their command in protection of our interests,—l am, d 0., , JdoimKT K. !\l;:i;kay.

Dunedin, August I