CIVIC EXTRAVAGANCE.

Evening Star, Issue 4292, 28 November 1876, Page 4

CIVIC EXTRAVAGANCE.

To the Editor. Sir,—ln Friday's Star I observed a letter from a "Ratepayer," calling attention to a useless expense that is likely to be allowed by the City Council. I allude to the Stafford street alteration. I think " Ratepayer " is quite right in what he says ; that other things are much more needed than that—say our footpaths, for instance. It is a well-known fact that this is the worst paved town for its size in the Colonies. You cannot walk in any direction fifty yards on a decent pavement. I believe that the proposed alteration of the street level was first mooted, by a requisition that was hawked round, for signatures. Now, sir, I saw the above, and there were not six landlords' names the sixty-five signatures there. It was signed by the tenants. I ask what interest they have in the place. They are here to-day and gone before a month is over, and yet, on the strength of this, the Council would entertain such a scheme of cutting the streets about. I say let our councillors inquire who signed it before they do it. I dare say a few interested—perhaps a councillor or one of his friends—are at the bottom of it. I hope, and in this I believe I speak the minds of those most interested, that the councillors for South Ward will not allow it. —I am, &c, A Voice from South Ward. Dunedin, November 28.