THE MAYOR’S MUNIFICENCE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1920, 20 April 1880, Page 3

THE MAYOR’S MUNIFICENCE.

To the -Editor of the Qlohe. SIH, —In common with many ratepayers in this part of the city, I read with a great deal of satisfaction the patriotic and public spirited offer of bis Worship the Mayor to devote £SO out of his official honorarium to the carrying out of works of public utility. Here was exemplified tho virtuous resolve so strongly urged in a speech by his Worship that not one penny of that honorarium should go into the pockets of the Mayor. But, Sir. I regret to say that we have been misled, and that our admiration of the patriotism of the Mayor was somewhat premature. By the reports of tho proceedings of tho City Council last night, I see that his Worship made the statement that unless a certain work was carried out, ho should withdraw his offer. Without wishing to appear too anxious, I should like to know how his Worship intends to dispose of this £SO. Evidently by his offering to give it to the city he has no official expenses to meet which will absorb the full £3OO. Hence, unless it is expended in tho way proffered by tho Mayor, it will return to his pocket, It muff, be recollected that the £3OO is voted for official expenses, and can be expended only for that purpose. Hence, if the gift of the Mayor is retracted, what will become of this surplus £SO, which evidently his Worship does not require for expenditure during the official year ? Will his Worship draw the full £3OO for the year, or only £250, leaving ont the £SO about the disposal of which evidently he is somewhat embarrassed. I should like to see these questions answered, the more so as they will afford his Worship the opportunity of again stating publicly bis rigid determination not to touch one penny of tho honorarium except for official purposes. Yours, &o„ LATIMER SQUARE. Christchurch, April 20th, 1880.