THE BOARD OF WORKS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 93, 20 April 1874, Page 2

THE BOARD OF WORKS.

To THE EoiTOR OF THE EVENING MAIL. Sin— l luve been asked this morning to sign a mi morial requesting the members of the Board of Works to resign, as tl.eir functions as a Board have lapsed, and they are I now constituted a municipality, an office to 1 which they were not elected. I cordially agree with the opi- ion expressed in the memo il that this is a proper occasion for requesting the members to resign, but the memorial contains some fulsome eulogistic remarks that I consider quite undeserved. I believe if any one of tbe members were asked a reason lor any of the works now being carried on, or for works needful, but left undone, they could not give an explanation. Thus, why is the dust in the stress allowed to spoil the goods in our shops, and prevent reo le venturing out of doors for fenr of he : ng smothered, without an attempt being m vie to prevent tho nuisance by watering the streets? Why is the culvert in Waimea-street allowed to be carried on in a manner so opposite to thu plan (inefficient as it is) agreed to by ths Board, and subject to such ridicule as the adepts have passed on it in the papers and elsewhere? I say the Board has acted in a manner totally at variance with the interest of the ratepayers, and offensive to common sense. It is currently reported that the Boa'd is abcu; to increase the nunber and expenses of the (fficials. This I consider quite un necessary, as we are now paying enough for much better services than we have rendered to us. The change in the name cf the body whi h trantacts our public w rks does not call tor increase of servants or salaries. The present cost to the town for servants is £375 and forage f?ra horse j this I consider is ample for. a town of thrice our popula ion. Lit tha ratepayers think of these matters befcre they are eaddird with a number of offices*, who once appointed will be difficult to get rid of. Nr.w is the time for tl o ratepayers to make a stand, and prevent tho introduction of the '* Humbug of Bumbledom." lam, &c, Joseph Webb, Nelson, April J 8.