CORRESPONDENCE. HAMILTON COUNCIL EXPENDITURE. HAMILTON COUNCIL EXPENDITURE. THE BEER TAX.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1274, 28 August 1880, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

HAMILTON COUNCIL EXPENDITURE.

HAMILTON COUNCIL EXPENDITURE.

THE BEER TAX.

[Our correspondence columns are impartially open to all, but we do not in any way identity ourselves with opinions expressed therein.]

TO THE EDITOB. Bib, — I was very much surprised to see that such a large amount as £176 was paid by our Borough Couucil for clerioal assistance, when I saw that the total rates colleoted did not exceed £450, the balance of whioh must be engulphed in aivertising, returning officers* fees, stationery, lighting, and fuel, leaving absolutely nothing for expenditure on our streets. Hamilton has surely fallen upon curious times with a Cbunoil who make a great noiae about retrenchment; yet, when it comes to put it in practice, each worthy Councillor findn there is something he wants done, and gets some brother Councillor to propose that it be done. Of such a nature must be the amendment moved by Councillor McGarrigle to the effect—" That Councillor Vialou's 'disinterested' (save the mark) pervices for the Borough be recognised by demanding nothing from him for filling-in his yard." Surely Councillor McGarrigle has a back yard of his own to fill up, which he fondly hopes to get done on the same terms ! I wonder how our Councillors imagine they are to reduce the debt of nearly £1300? Such a thing is hardly ever mooted in that "august assembly." Hoping that the three Councillors we are all asked to return in the beginning of next month, may keep themselves from feuch tricks as the " mutual scratch backs" have been guilty of, and that they may see it thei** duty to reduce the clerical expenses. — I am, &c, Vebbum Sat.

TO THE EDITOR Sin,— l have read a deal of correspondence in your columns, with reference to Borough Council matters. No doubt things are in & very bad state, and have been grossly mismanaged, but the poor men are not so much to blame, they have doubtless done their best (for themselves methinks I hear somebody say). But I am wandering. The matter which I wish to bring under the notice of my fellow burgesses is the amount which we pay in the shape of salaries, &c, &c. Town Clerk, £150 : boy, £26 ; necessary and unnecessary advertisements, say £50; Returning Officers fees, say £10; kerosine, stationery, &c, not less than 4540, including telegrams, postage, &c, which, with other sundries would bring the total up to quite £300, to say nothing about the necessary engineering talent for finding out levels * when necessary ; £300 in salaries and sundries to regulate the expenditure of £150 on the streets, yards, sidewalks, &c, how do you like the picture ? Why not call for tenders for the office of Town Clerk. lam quite sure in those times it would be qnite as efficiently done for less than half the money, at least there would be no harm in trying, being no ones birthright. There might also be a saving in kerosine (to say nothing* about gas) if the regular meetings of Council were held only once a (month, a special could be easily called if necessary. If something of this sort cannot be done, the sooner we fall* back on the old style of things, even if not quite so pretentious, the better. There is such a thing as paying too much for your whistle. — I am., &c, Another Burgess.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —l think it will interest the " free and independent electors of Waipa County" to have their special attention called to the following facts, as reported in the Auckland Evening Star of Wednesday, the 25th August: — The Government wished to impose a tax of 6d on beer. Mr Ballance moved —" That the tax be reduced to 3d." Mr Gisboresaid "this £50,000 beer duty was proposed to relieve the exemption on jewellery, under the Property tax." ''In reality that was asking the poor man to bear an extra burden, in order that the rich might enjoy their jewellery and such like graudeur." On the division the 3d was carried, amid cheers, by 41 to 35. The lion, member for Waipa, Fred. A. Whitakev, Esq., who, when canvassing for the seat, delighted to call himself "the working man's friend," voted for the sixpenny tax. Sir George Grey voted for the threepenny tax, which was carried. I will conclude with the old refrain — Well,* their eyes, if ever they tries To rob a poor man of his beer. I am, Sec, Working Max. 27th August, 1880.

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