THE MISFORTUNES OF AVONDALE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 129, 22 August 1927, Page 8

THE MISFORTUNES OF AVONDALE

Sir,— Your leader under the above heading in Saturday’s SUN shows only part of the effect the two recent polls had on each other. Before the poll in Avondale it was well known that the small holders, by their vote, would decide the issue regarding amalgamation. How to get them was the rub. Those scheming for amalgamation did not dare to show their hand, as they would, by calling a meeting, have shown the small holdiers their object, and that would have killed the scheme. Anyway they had no one capable of taking the platform, and so they sought the aid of the City Council, which was casting covetous eyes on Avondale. Five members were sent out, and so impressed the small holders that when Saturday came they lost sight of the hook and swallowed the bait. The following Wednesday the city ratepayers took a hand. They had been given no say regarding the inclusion of Avondale, which had just been dropped on their shoulders, and while quite ready to vote for the loan before Avondale’s surrender, theyr thought it a bit too solid —two wild cats iu one week —and voted against the loan. Ana now the Avondale ratepayer waktf from the chloroform and is a sick man. He finds that not ratepayers only, but electors, assisted in the bestowal of his property to the city. To add to his misery he finds himself without a council, ana mighty truths force themselves on ai s mind, the foremost being that he n* s sold the greatest fighter in ttie people's cause that Avondale has ever known; and for what? Too late ne realises what he has done, and must now submit himself meekly to his new masters. In any case he’ll get lots of time to think of it. _ investigator.