THE MOIETY OF THE RATES.

West Coast Times, Issue 654, 29 October 1867, Page 2

THE MOIETY OF THE RATES.

TO TITE EDITOR OP THE WES1 1 COAST TIJIRS. Sir, — I dare say you have observed that there are some crotchety, passionate, impulsive beings, who imagine Uiafc no one would take the trouble to write to a newspaper except for the gratification of personal antipathy. Whether you have observed this or not, it is quite certain that a gentleman with a " hard" name who figures inpi'int has written under the impression that in my last letter I was actuated by personal antagonism to Councillor Boyle. As Mr Blowhard will probably see your paper on his breakfast table to-morrow morning, I may bo doing his digestion a service by assuring him that I entertain no personal hostility whatever to Mr Boyle. On the contrary, I respect him. because I think he is in earnest in what he says about upholding and defending the rights of the citizens. I thought it imprudent and unseemly for Councillor Boyle, immediately af'Wr his first sitting to "'rush into print" with a frivolous complaint, and disseminate, what is usually looked upon as electioneering "gas." It was my objection to these, and to any maudlin sympathy with refractory ratepayers that urged me to address you before, and not -'personal feelings." I do not pretend to entertain the same respect for Mr Blowhard that I have for the gentleman whom ho seems desirous of defending. His letter in the sheet before me is a sad mixture of maudlin sentimentalism and coarse vulgarity. How affecting it is to learn that " many families can hardly earn enough to get something j to eat.'' After writing in tills cutting strain, Mr Blowhard niisjht well drop his pen and go and get " something to drink." The Council is hardly likely to enforce payment of rates from those (if there arc any in these parts) who cannot ear a their sustenance, and therefore, in a corporation sense, Mr B. need not trouble himself about them. Blowhard's vulgarity shall not at pi'osenl engage a moment of my attention. As I said in my former letter, I hope that the Council, without being harsh or hasty, will enforce payment of what is due to it, uninfluenced by the twaddle of the whole tribe of Blowhards. Yours, &c, CiTizsy. October 28, 1867.