AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 50, 28 February 1901, Page 3

AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

MUNICIPAL MUDDLERS.

STRONG COMMENTS.

(TIMES COKRESI’OXDENT). Auckland, last night. Local City authorities have been subject to public criticism of late, for their blunder in connection with the City water supply has not been allowed to pass without being severely criticised by both public and the press. The cause of the recent big fire in Custom-street, where thousands of pounds of valuable property might liavo been saved, and other huge conflagrations that have occurred siuce, are attributed to the Council’s persistent neglect of the want of tiro prevention. The Star, in a lengthy leader this morning, says “ Time after time this community, the largest and one of the most prosperous in New Zealand, exposed itself to the pitying contempt of the colony through its childish improvidence and future parsimony. Who can compute the thousands of pounds that have been lost in this City within the last decade alone through the persistent neglect of the authorities to expeud a few hundreds in a timely and judicious scheme of lire prevention or fire extinction '? Every man and woman, and most of the children, in Auckland know this perfectly well.” The article concludes by stating that until a more adequate plan is available, and better organisation instituted, the city stands guilty of the most culpable, the most criminal negligence, and exposed to needless risk of property and life every hour of the day. The Herald, after commenting upon the neglect of our civic authorities in the problem of the recent fires and fire prevention, concluded its loading article this morning by stating that one great fire costs more in a night than a splendid brigade would cost in ten years. DISHONEST OLD MAN. Ilis Honor the Chief Justice, after sentencing an old man to imprisonment for theft yesterday, said: —“ Old man of vour class who" can’t keep their hands off other people’s property ought to be sent to some institution whcre.tliey would bo compelled to work, and kept away from mischief. I don't think gaol does you much good.” -