AN UNPLEASANT SUBJECT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4430, 1 June 1875, Page 2

AN UNPLEASANT SUBJECT.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES,

Sir,—rlt is currently reported that a very fair imitation of a job is about to be perpetrated in the City Council, in connection with the contract for removal of nightsoil and rubbish. About three months since the City Council called for tenders for the above purpose, and on© or two were submitted for consideration. They were, however, rejected as being far too high. At the same time, the Sanitary Committee expressed an intention of again calling for tenders after the lapse of three months.

It now appears that, without calling for any further tenders, the Sanitary Committee have decided to give the contract to an individual who at present is said to be getting some very good pickings from the City Council. To this arrangement very few persons would object, provided the favored contractor was willing to perform the work at as low a price as those who have already tendered for it; but such is not the case, and if the matter is referred to persons who are competent to give an opinion on the subject, it will be found that the ratepayers will be mulcted in an additional expense of £SOO per annum for the removal of nightsoil alone, and doubtless the charges will be proportionately high for the removal of rubbish, &c. Of course, everything is straightforward and aboveboard in this tranaction. It is well known that Councillor Gillon, who, like Ctesar’s wife, is above suspicion, and who is also a prominent member of the Sanitary Committee, would not lend himself to anything of the sort. The same remarks also apply to Messrs. George, Moss, and Cleland, who, I believe, formed the committee on, this occasion. If the absurd rumors current a year or two since as to improper dealings in cement by City Councillors were proved to be unfounded, is it at all likely that the new members would allow themselves to come into improper contact with night-soil? If not, however, derogatory to the dignity Of the Sanitary Committee, it would be graceful on their part to explain to the ratepayers why an unusual and unnecessary arrangement was made in the matter of this contract, especially when such arrangement is clearly injurious to the ratepayers.—l am, tic., Citizen.