BOROUGH BUSINESS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 72, 18 November 1912, Page 5

BOROUGH BUSINESS.

(To the Editor “Stratford Post.”) Sir,—ln your report of a recent Borough Council meeting you note that on two divisions the Mayor voted twice, that is, he used a “Yes-No” vote. Let me explain same. A committee (one of many) was set up to interview the Electrical Supply Co., in regard to the street lighting, the idea being to give some of the long-suffer-ing, Tiftepayers in the back streets and the dreary south more light to lighten their darkness. The arrangements were duly made and the Borough Council. Committee headed by the Mayor waked on the Supply Co., and started to deal. The Mayor acted as trotter and started his first bid at 50s per light per annum, but the company sat tight. Then 55s failed to draw them, and with it* weary smile the Mayor sprung 60s per lamp, After an animated debate the company, in the interest of the public, accepted this for an additional eighty lamps. The Mayor was delighted, and the committee shook hands with themselves several times and after congratulations they went home ; that is a fairly accurate account of the “Yes” side. Now, when the adoption of the offer came before the Council for its approval the “No” side was to have a turn, and the Mayor by Ids deliberate and casting vote turned down Ids proposals (solid man, the Mayor). And now for tbe other vote (No money for water extension, says the Mayor, the £BOO credit to water account is spent). Now I will ask the Mayor il that £BOO was spent on roads or footpaths? Lest he might forget, I will tell him most of it (£410) went for septic tank site (water and drainage), laying on drainage and water to the laying a Sin. water main *bwn Juliet Street and Orlando Street, and numerous small connections took the balance of supposed credit. Now, perhaps, the Mayor will give us the true reason for fighting so hard to get the water rate off. I understand it was, levied on the annual value, and the small cottage owner paid litrle nr nothing- to it, hot the Broadway properties felt it just a bit. Councillor King was right after all. In conclusion, I would advise the Mayor to enter the road roller for the white elephant class at the A. and P. Show (charge a shilling for view, and use the money for' water extensions), give it a coat of white wash and name it the great “YeS-No” as a monument to the folly of the present Mayor and Council.—• I am, etc., WORKER. Stratford, November 16th.