BOOSTING NEW PLYMOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 150, 12 November 1912, Page 7

BOOSTING NEW PLYMOUTH.

To the Editoi'. Sir,—iranv were picaseu wnen it was seen that New Plymouth was at last attempting to wake up and the dry bones were stirring in the valley. But the meeting was very disappointing to me and others who were present and many who were not. It was announced with great protestation that they intended to iaise no less than £'2oo a year for three years. In fact, some of the wealthiest men in the room firmly stated that unless that amount was promised they would withdraw their munificent offers of five guineas, ajjd advocated making a strong personal canvas of all the adult population, considering apparently that the big majority who don't own sections and monopolies of the business sites should subscribe and work for the benefit of those who do. Ye gods! Their own attitude in calmly expecting this is proof, if proof were needed, that humanity is not yet in such a state of "otherdom." We know, of course, that as soon as there is even a rumor that things J are about to improve the price of sections and rent of business premises will start to mount in sympathy. Two hundred pounds is the minimum! Why, if ten of the leading men of the town financially who are hedging their five guineas round so carefully with conditions, gave anything like a proportionate share of the future benefit they will derive from extra rents as the town is "boosted" up, £IOOO a year at least would be raised without any further effort. I enclose my name, and desire to remain for purposes of publication, yours— MINNOW.