NEW TOWN HALL AND MUNICIPAL OFFICES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1876, 27 February 1880, Page 3

NEW TOWN HALL AND MUNICIPAL OFFICES.

The following letter appeared in this morning's " Press " : TO THE EDITOB OP THE PBEBS. Sib, —The notice of the Council advising the ratepayers of their projeoted schemes for water supply, Town Hall, &3., are of suffi oient importance to claim the thoughtful consideration of all interested. I desire to express my view of the Town Hall question, believing trmt to expend £50,000 on that work at the present time would be extremely unwise. Admitting that offices for the conduct of municip-.il business are urgently required without delay, I think that provision for this want might be amply secured at a much smaller cost than that proposed, and at the same time provide conveniences which the public would appreciate. A public market is much required, and if the site now available was utilised for that purpose, in conjunction with offices for the corporation, which together need not cost more than £7OOO or £Booo—the burden on the ratepayers would be but slight if any, as the market, rates would probably cover the interest. A row of shops included in the structure would present a more pleasing appearance than the small shanties now being erected at the edge of the footpath between Colombo street and Victoria bridge. The £50,000 spent on a Town Hall would yield little or no return and make a heavy permanent tax. Of the £160,000 for water, £35,000 in addition to the £200,000 already borrowed for drainage, and £15,000 for sundries, I need say little ; the public will best judge whether it can entertain the enormous expenditure at the present time. Yours, &c, J. P. Jameson.