THE GOVERNMENT STRONG-ROOM.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1139, 5 September 1882, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT STRONG-ROOM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —There are certain people (children and others) who should never see things half done. If the scribbler who wrote the idiotic local in the “ Herald ” relative to the impossibility of putting the safes into the strongroom now being built at the rear of the Government premises is the happy possessor of from £1 to £lOO and is willing to wager the whole or any portion of the money, I am willing to prove to him that the work can and shall be done.—l am, etc., Allen Taylor.

Sir, —In the “ Herald” of September Ist, the *e appears a report of the public meeting at Makaraka re river protection. lam credited with stating that the work should not go on, as, while it would be an advantage to Messrs Cameron, Poynter, and Smith brothers, it would be detrimental to others. I did say so, but with this addition—“ as at present proposed.” And, as my grounds for objection have not been published, with your permission, sir, I shall state a few of them. All who have lived in Poverty Bay for a number of years, know that a protection work of some sort is required, but if anything is to be done by subscription, I say let it be for the benefit of all within flood range; and now for my objections : —lst, in my opinion, both owners and occupiers of the lands that this embankment should pass through, should sign the deed of covenant before anything is done, which is not the case, as one European told me point blank he would not allow any bank to be formed on his holding. 2nd. If the embankment is not carried past the place referred to, it cannot benefit anyone but Messrs Wyllie, Smith, Poynter, aud Cameron, for who can deny that if the water cannot get vent between Messrs Hardy and WyUie, it will at Waerenga-a-hika; then what better will the people be who live about Makauri, and the low lying lands at Makaraka ? In fact the main road will answer as a conductor. 3rd. There are two roads to pass over, and in my opinion the ratepayers must sanction this, which is not, as yet, done. 4th. The promoters of the present plan have thought it prudent to assess the laud about Matawhero, knowing perfectly well that if they be able to conduct the water past their property, all that land shall be flooded, and, if not actually ruined, many must clear out for months, as Mr John Burgess and others had to do at the flood of ’76, and I, three mouths after, had to sow grass seed on the deposit left, which ranged from one to two feet in depth. I may mention the land is owned or occupied by Messrs Camero i, Allen, Westrup, and Weston, but no provision is made tor the protection of this property. Now, Sir, although the lands held by these gentlemen contribute more for the maintenance of this community than that held by the projectors, they are expected to assist to purchase the rope to hang themselves ; but I can assure you Mr Editor, until the promoters of the present plan be able to see a little further than their own dividing fence, they cannot expect much aid from the public. In conclusion, one word for Mr Cameron, who in liis quiet manner, peculiar to that gentleman, suggested to the person who sat next to him at the meeting, that, as I was assessed at so little no notice should taken of any remarks I made ! (or words ;o that effect.) I may tell him that the floods o me no harm, for if the rainfall be so great, any damage that I have to sustain is done before the flood reaches my holding; but to show that gentleman that I am in favor of any plan that would be a benefit to all, I propose to subscribe £1 for every Is that lam assessed at, provided he do the same; taking as a guide the assessment roll as now compiled for th'-, proposed work. Pardon me for taking up so much of your valuable space.—Yours, &c. Robt. Mcßretney.