The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1887. The Jubilee and the Ratepayers

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 127, 3 May 1887, Page 2

The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1887. The Jubilee and the Ratepayers

Our readers are aware the Government had introduced a Bill to the House which is intended to empower local bodies to vote certain sums out *df their revenue to be expended in assisting to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. We heartily approve of the Bill, and share in the loyalty of feel-ißgf-which has led to its conception, but do: not approv* of the money voted by any local body been expended in any other way than will benefit the contributor, i.e., the rate* payers. As our contemporary the Post suggests— "lf the local bodies have any money to spare, they had better devote it in each case to some local necessary purpose within the scope of their ordinary powers, such as making a street or footpath, building a bridge, or something of that sort, and if they wish to associate the execution of such a work with the celebration of the Jubilee, they can, of course, name the work after her Majesty, but certainly none of their funds should be spent ia merrymakings and fireworks, or subscribing towards any general or local commemoration of an unnecessary, unproductive, or exoeptional character." There is not much likelihood of the Feilding Borough Council, the Manchester, or Kiwitea Road Boards spending money in fireworks and whiskey from mere sentiment. In 'their private capacities the members «f these local bodies are, we know, devotedly Joyal subjects who will to a man subscribe their mites towards a Jubilee Fund, but they have too much honorable feeling to squander rates in " beer and skittles" and call it loyalty to the Throne.