CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, 1 June 1899, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

We are not responsible for the statements or opinions of correspondents.

A REPLY.

TO THB EDITOR O* THE MANAWATU HERALD

Sir,— You have thought it fit to ridicule and misrepresent my remarks at Friday night's meeting. You are well known to report as a rule what people do not say, when it does not suit your book. Well, that is just what you did in your editorial remarks on my figures. What I said was: following up Mr Nye's line of argument,' and my own idea of the amount reqnired to form and metal the roads mentioned, with others that would have to be put on the schedule before you would have a chance to carry the poll, that it would take £6,000. This amount at 5 per cent, would absorb £300 (we have no guarantee that we would not have to pay 6or 7 per cent.) Increased mileage of metal roads with present ten miles, 18 miles to maintain at £xo per mile per annum, £180 ; £480 in all, or £30 more than our present general rate. At present we can boast of* an overdraft of £300. Now, Sir, tell us where is the money to come from for the following works : Ist. A heavy drainage for each year ; 2nd. The bridge on Main-street is almost in a state of collapse ; 3r*d. All other small bridges and culverts ; 4th.' Unmade roads kept in a passable state of- repair; sth. Manawatu Herald advertising; 6th. Interest on bridge loan ; 7th. I could fill your paper, but as you want it all for yourself you cannot have much room for others. I am satisfied after the above items that your readers will agree with me that your 5d in the pound would be nowhere. (I am not a bit afraid of you in the hall.) — I am, &c, P. Hennessy. [Note. — Cr. Hennessy misses the point. The meeting was called to consider the raising of a loan of £3,000, and a schedule of work to that amount was prepared by the Borough Engineer from instructions received from the Council, of which Mr Hennessy is a member, and which he presumably should have been well aware of. — : Ed. M. Herald.]