THE CLIFTON TRACK.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1173, 2 May 1872, Page 2

THE CLIFTON TRACK.

[to the editor.]. Sir— My attention was recently drawn to an advertisement in your weekly issue calling for tenders from persons willing to collect the tolls on' the J^arsden and Cliftou roads. I was induced to tender for the same at the lowest possible price I could live upon. At the opening of the tenders (I wasunable to be present myself) I have been informed that a firm of large storekeepers, hotelkeepers,.road contractors, &c, had sent in an offer to perform the duties at 17s per week. I certainly consider that men of this description can live without an additional 17s per week to their incomes— and must complain that this firm, with a direct interest in the tolls collected (they paying between L 8 and L 9 per month) should be eligible for the appointment. I must also complain that the Paroa Road Board, after calling for tenders and sitting in solemn conclave, should at their adjournment come to the conclusion that they did not believe, they had any power to make the appointment, but that it rested with another august body, the County Council. Why, Sir, may the tenderers not justly enquire, was not this found out before publicly calling ; for tenders, and bringing people to theiroffice at Paroa to see conditions, ,&c. , In conclusion, I would observe' that if these aspiring men at Marsden have not already sufficient irons in the fire by all means let them have the job— if eligible ; but I fail to see how a paltry 17s per week will be much assistance to them unless they have some ulterior objectin view, and witha.determiuationnottolet poorer people than themselves live in the district they inhabit. lam, &c, . ; P. A.