CORRESPONDENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8530, 9 April 1913, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

HAMPSTEAD TOWN DISTRICT.

TO THE EDITOR

: Sir,—At the last meeting of the Board I see the chairman reported a credit balance at the bank of £59 10sJ 9d. In public, as in private, affairs it is pleasant to,know we have a balance, but in this connection to whom is the honour due ? Who among past or present members advocated economy ? I believe ratepayers have to thank Mr Silcock. Of course, a few persons may have an axe to grind in various ways,' and therefore selfish reasons would ascribe, sinister or selfish motives for | thus protecting ratepayers' money; but he is admittedly a practical man, with experience of road work. Apart from his extreme economy, he is the best public man to control matters. The Board has, by its treatment of the scavenger, displeased a large number of ratepayers. At the meeting of the Board a petition was presented by Mr P. Baker, a member of the Board, signed by 128 ratepayer? and residents, respectfully asking tho. Board to retain l"tho' services ■of the present scavenger, and giving the reasons for so doing, and which those who signed endorsed., No doubt many other ratepayers would gladly, have signed if given the opportunity. I, myself,-, didn't sign the. petition, but, like my fellow-ratepayers, j I consider the month's notice, under' the circumstances, absurd. To make an agreement for two years and dismiss it at a month's notice is too arbitrary for British fairplay. RATEPAYER.