AT COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 133, 27 November 1911, Page 4

AT COURT.

To the Editor. Sir.—Much has been remarked re want of progress and general appreciation in our borough. This want in my opinion is accounted for by three special reasons, viz., finance, depression and oppression. Without touching upon the two former (upon which much can be written). I venture a few remarks 011 the latter. Leaving all private enterprise, combines and rings out of the question, we strike at a large portion of the crux in our municipal affairs. Take recent Court cases as an example. Many worthy members of nur community who are struggling to make ends meet and ai, the same time comply with the laws (and by-laws) are rushed pell-mell into Court, where fees are squeezed out of them for no early reason except for the savage joy of filching L.s.d. from citizens, keeping them down and kicking them. To my mind, such acts are not only a gross injustice, but a .scandalous disgrace. I know not who is responsible, but if it is the Council, then let the whole, from the Mayor down,, resign in a body, as they are, T consider, incompetent and unfitted to conduct with common justice the affairs of flie borough. If it is the fault of an official or officials, then let the Council do its ditty to the ratepayers by holding an enquiry, set! who is to blame, and instantly dismiss from the service any employee who is guilty of perpetrating such uncalled-for oppression, as the majority of our citizens. I am certain, have not cash to throw away. Tndividr.nl ratepayers provide money to keep a great staff employed, but others, like myself, do not desire to pay for services which tend to unduly harass a particular section of the com munitv. It is such acts as have recently been disclosed, and the manv thai, do not eoire to light that tend to dis hearten many a worthy citizen and keep the place behind the times.—l am. etc.. C. T. MILLS.