HELENSVILLE HOT SPRINGS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 December 1912, Page 3

HELENSVILLE HOT SPRINGS.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, —In a recent issue of the Kaipara Advertiser, I noticed in a report of the Helensville Town Board meeting, a resolution was passed to hand over the Springs to the Government, and this, without in the lesst consulting the ratepayers or the public, as to their right to say yes or no on the question. Surely, sir, this is an autocratic preceduie for a public body to so ignore the people who put them int :> power to look after their interests on so vital a question. Tiuly it is the people's right to whether say it shall be done or not, seeing the control of the Springs is vested in the Domain Board, which is elected by the people. I. think, Sir, it would be a much more democratic principal to call a public meeting or two, and give the people in opportunity to let their views be made known on such an important matter, and if the mandate 01 the people say " yes," then by all means give the local body the credit it would deserve for its initiation of the subject, and if the people say " no," then these tnembers should feel thankful they had not acted against the wishes of the public. I see nothing to lose, but all to gain, by taking the people into the confidence of the members of the Town Board. Why this hurry ? This is a question that will seriously affect the people in the future, and should be looked at in its broad sense. No personal gain, or party influence, should be allowed to enter into it. At present I have no desire to raise the question whether it will te better for the people one way or the other. My wish is that the position be brought prominently and fairly before the people, ere it is too late to sanction handing over the control, or to retain it in their power. Surely, sir, we have some public spirited men in the c:oir.rnunity, who will lift up their voices, and say .we want the privilege of exercising our rights if we so desire. Hoping some abler pen will take the matter up. I am 6tc, '•One oi- Many".