CORONATION CELEBRATIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 411, 9 May 1902, Page 2

CORONATION CELEBRATIONS.

(To the Editor of the Times,)

Sir, —I was much amused at the discussion that took place at tho meeting held on Tuesday evening. According to your report there were only thirty persons prosent, and yet they were prepared to criticise their fellow-townsmen in good round terms, and lay down a hard and fast pro-

gramme, which everyone is supposed to fall in with. The Bev. Father O’Connor grew very eloquent with regard to the apathy of the citizens of Gisborne, and referred to the magnificent district which was being held back. Now,

I should like to ask you, Mr Editor,

what the rev. gentleman in question has done in the past towards pushing the town forward. Has he himself attended every public meeting which has been held, or has he been content, like many other citizens, to remain in his study and await the Times’ report of such meeting ? Mr Harding was also disappointed at the small attendance, and being one of the only Councillors who happened to be present he made the most of his opportunity. Now, I have been to many public meetings during the last fifteen years in Gisborne, and it was quite an exception to see Mr Harding present. His Worship the Mayor might have selected some other evening than he did for the meeting, and I am sure that he would have had a much larger attendance, There, was a good deal of talk over the question of finance, but I do not know what so much money is required for. Surely it is never intended to give a free luncheon to all and sundry at the racecourse. Let every family take their own hamper as Father O’Connor suggested, an I let them make merry to their hearts’ cement With regard to fireworks, I am opposed to any expenditure in that direction. It is a scandalous waste of money, seeing it all end in smoke. Let the amount set aside for fireworks be devoted towards the clock fund. I would also suggest that a shilling subscription list should be opened for the latter purpose. If tbis were done some thousands would be willing to subscribe.—l am, etc.

QiD H.UiD,