THE REMOVAL OF THE POUND TO CHELMER-STREET.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 251, 10 February 1877, Page 2

THE REMOVAL OF THE POUND TO CHELMER-STREET.

TO THE EDIToK Of THE EVENING M.UL. Sir, —In the report of the discussion of the subject by the Council, I find that they resolved— :c That tlirj proposed removal will not be productive of the evils anticipated by the petitioners." At first sight this removal of the Pound to Cliel-mer-street may appear only to afi'ect the residents in the locality, but with your permission we will endeavor to show how it will .seriously affect the entire community. This new Pound will stand on the brink of the Oamam Creek, with a good incline towards the water course, the sjwage and ii'th from a promiscuous herd of animals will naturally find its way into the water a very short distance above the public wah-r tanks and filters. According to Professor Black this water at its purest is not goodjj.'or domestic purposes, but what will he say of it after becoming polluted by the refuse from a public pound ( This erection of water tanks at considerable cost, and the creation of a nuisance immediately above them, reminds us forcibly of public works in O.imnra ; to wit, the new cut through the Garden Reserve which our councillors in their wisdom made, and afterwards to their cost found they could not divert the water from its old course ; the erection of cottage at Gas Works, &c, all showing a lavish expenditure °f money to little or no purpose. They also tell us that the Pound is not intended to remain permanently within the town. Why, then, should it not be put in its permanent place at once, being plain to everyone that being twice erected means double cost. This is perhaps the prettiest site we have for public gardens, and is within a minute's walk of the Post Office and public bui!ding3, on the Main South Road, and bounded by the railway. What a pity to disfigure by an unsightly pound a place so well suited for public resort and recreation. I notice that the Corporation have accepted a tender for the Pound. Upon enquiry I find that this reserve is vested in the Corporation of Oamaru by Crown grant for public gardens, and that the legal opinion is that it cannot be used for poundage or any other purpose save public gardens. Hoping that our worthy councillors will think twice before they again commit themselves, I am, &c, A>* Observer.