NEWCASTLE ROAD BOARD AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2295, 26 March 1887, Page 3

NEWCASTLE ROAD BOARD AFFAIRS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln your issue of the 22nd, appears a letter, was the signature of "Ratepayer," but which bears such a family resemblance to a similarly flattering one which appeared some months ago, that there is little room for doubt as to the authorship. Mr " Ratepayer's" letter, not having attacked any of the facts or figures which I brought forward on the 12th, would have called for no answer, were it not for the paragraph wherein he states that, "having examined the minute-book and other papers referring to the works in question, I find that the work near Okete, which Mr Shepherd particularly objects to, was applied for to the board by Mr Henry Moore, and the amount voted by the board to be expended in forming that road was actually proposed byMrShepherd." Mr "Ratepayer's"searching the books of the board reminds one forcibly of a well-known saying, "That those who look into the Scriptures to understand them, and those who look into them to misunderstand them, generally find what they want." He would find upon enquiry the following minute : "Resolved that no tender be accepted for No. 2 contract, but that the sum of thirty pounds be expended upun the road, under the direction of the chairman." Having furnished this much, I think I can reasonably _ ask Mr " Ratepayer," now that he has examined the books of the board, to state for the information of the ratepayers, how this work has been carried out, and what it has cost. With reference to the concluding portion of his letter, re the most honest man, etc., I would ask Mr " Ratepayer " to believe, if he can, that there are some men who endeavour always to remember that the money they expend as road board trustees, is not their own, but is collected from their neighbours and fellow settlers, and paid sometimes with considerable difficulty, aud that also consider that it is the duty of road board trustees to furnish all information, both privately and publicly, as to where the money has gone, and how it was spent.—Yours respectfully, E. C. Shepherd.