BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Herald, 4 February 1904, Page 3

BOROUGH AFFAIRS.

10 THE EDITOR OP THE MANAWATU HERALD, Sir, —I notice that the Council has at last (judging by appearances) come to recognise the importance of Graystreet, and has left it open for use by the public, although the Court has granted it power to close the street. It is, I think, somewhat extraordinary that the Council should have gone to the expense of employing a Palmerston solicitor for several attendances at Court in connection with this now celebrated street, and as far as I can see is not exhibiting to the ratepayers any reason for having done so. Possibly the Council has taken a more liberal view of the rights of private property,, and are now sufficiently conscience stricken not to be desirous of taking advantage of the powers given to it by the Court to seme what is really trust property dedicated to the public for use as a street. The Municipal Buildings which a certain Councillor was so desirous of seeing erected some time ago have not made their | appearance on the site of the street, i Although as far as I know no repairs j have yet been effected in the street, I 1 was given to understand long ago that' the street had been closed up for about a month to be repaired, and would probably still be closed with the same alleged object it it had not been for the energetic action taken by certain public-spirited residents. Possibly the Council have not yet full faith in the new street, which is still in a somewhat rugged condition. I no- ; tice that the public, at any rate, seem to take this view, as drays of flax and , pedestrians may constantly be seen passing down the old street. The; new street is now undergoing repairs, j The footpaths have been metalled and ; limestoned, and I hope to sec them ! asphalted in a short time, though I scarcely think the traffic on these tootpaths will ever be sufficient Ito harden the limestone for the reception of tar. The Council may possibly take some steps to harden it without waiting for the steps of the public. I am, &c., Ratepayer. Foxton, 4th Feb., 1904. j