THE SILVER CRADLE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2539, 18 October 1888, Page 2

THE SILVER CRADLE.

TO THE EDITOR. Silt,—Your sub-leader of Saturday last on the above has struck a chord which vibrates throughout the Borough, and in common with many others of those who have to find the wherewithal to carry it on, I heartily thank you. That our position financially, as a borough, is a serious one, and that a great necessity exists to have its funds properly administered, has been fully shown by previous correspondents, and your criticism on the action of certain councillors who attempted to squander public money on the above is altogether, opportune. That the proposer and seconder of tho resolution to present the Mayoress with a silver cradle or other testimonial had some furtive motive in view, such as holding her husband up to ridicule for inconsistency, is apparent, knowing as the burgesses do that the bond of sympathy which exists between His Worship and this worthy (?) pair, is of tho flimsiest nature. Mr and Mrs Coates are well-known and respected throughout Waikato, and I am thoroughly sure that it was out of no feelimr of disrespect to them that public opinion has been evoked t<) condemn! this last act of the Council, but simply that the exigencies of the Borough, its indebtedness and the low state of the funds, imperatively demand the strictest economy. As you justly imply, Mr Editor, if these five couuoilbrs wish to make a present of a silver cradle or other testimonial to Mrs Coates, let them do so by all means, but not at tho expense of other*. The resolution to squander this money, read in the light of the fact that half an hour previous to its being put two letters were received by the Council from poor unfortunate burgesses, appealing to them for a little work to assist them to pay their rates and buy a loaf of bread for their starving families, deserves the ; severest condemnation. Should these five councillors, because they happen to be in a majority, insist on carrying this matter through, I would suggest an open-air indignation meeting being held some evening, say on Sydney Squaro, when resolutions could bo passed, censuring them, and calling upon tlmm tn resign their seats, and so prevent them from doing damngH.— Yours truly, Ratkpatru. Hamilton TC'sr, Octolwr 15rh. ISBB.