ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 183, 10 January 1877, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

[We arc at all times ready to give expression to every shade oE opinion, but in no case do v*'C hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.] (TO THE EDITOR OP THE PATE A MAIL.) Bik.-~Now that the County Council has put on the harness, will you be good enough to allow me through your columns.to make a few honest criticisms on the action of its members at the first meeting, which criticism, I regret to say, will not be entirely favorable to all parties. But first, Mr Editor, allow me to drop you a friendly hint, and hoping it will be accepted iii the same spirit in which it is offered, I would suggest, that, in the report of meetings it is highly advisable that the names of supporters and opponents of resolutions should be given, as it is ofily by the member’s action in these matters that the public arc able to form their judgment. The main part of my remarks at the present time will be confined to the appointment of Secretary, &c., to the Council. Can any one show me how such officer is to earn £250 per annum? If so, I am open to conviction, but at present I do not think the man lives who can do so. Then, again, if we commence with salaries like these, where is it going to end ? It must be borne in mind that this is not the only paid officer which the Council will be compelled to engage, and if other officers arc to be engaged, at salaries in the same proportion as that offered for Secretary. &c., I make bold to say there will be very little funds left for carrying out the necessary works, unless the Government remove the restriction confining the rating power to one shilling in the pound, and allow the Council to levy rates, l ad libitum.’ This. I believe, would be the best thing that could possibly happen, to bring the ratepayers to a sense of their responsibilities, when called upon to elect their representatives in the local governing bodies. Now, Sir, I am not a niggardly economist, but I cannot stand idly by and see ruinous extravagances indulged in by our representatives, which cannot end in anything but such considerably increased taxation, without raising a voice against it. I therefore call on all who take an interest in the welfare of the County to rally round the standard of economy, pure and simple, and protest against such extravagant proceedings as recorded, of the first, meeting of the Tatea County Council. I consider that the thanks of the ratepayers are due to the three members who opposed such extravagance (Messrs Bridge, Tloneyfield, and Dale), for their action in the matter. In thartking my supporters at the laic election, I pledged" myself to watch their interests, and I only regret that I have felt myself compelled to make such adverse criticism at so early a period, but I feel convinced, that, if the public are only true to their own interests, and nip. such extravagances in the bud, wholesome fruits may be thereby produced, In conclusion, therefore, as I am neither ashamed, or afraid, of anything I have written, —I subscribe myself, yours, &c., EDWIN E. MOEGAN. Eakaramea, .Tan. 6,1877.