CHAIRMAN'S REJOINDER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9653, 9 July 1919, Page 5

CHAIRMAN'S REJOINDER.

Mr W. Robinson, chairman of the Hampstead Town Board, was interviewed this afternoon by a reporter in regard to statements contained in "Greater Ashburton's" letter. Mr Robinson stated that he had taken immediate steps to interview the contractor who removes the rubbish, in regard to the complaint. He had been informed that the accumulations of rubbish referred to when the property was taken over consisted or gooseberry trees and currants and a few stray tins. Dealing with the more recent rubbish, the contractor stated that when, he called at the correspondent's residence he found in all seven tins-not ashes, but mainly consisting of rakings from off paths^ etc. The contractor saw the lady of the house, and mentioned the unusual accumulation, but denies tho allegation that any abuse was "used; and, furthermore, he had no conversation whatever with the writer of the letter. Mr Robinson stated that the board had absolute faith in the contractor, who had carried out his duties satisfactorily for the past two years. No complaints had at any time been received by tho board, and any resident, | if he considered he had cause, for complaint, had only to brinjr the matter, under the board's 'notice to receive prompt attention. Mr Robinson said he considered Hampstead to be as well looked after as the Borough. Before the Hospital Board appointed Mr E. N. Johnson its sanitary inspector the Hampstead Board Had its own man, who made periodical inspections '. but the district

was now' under ; tho control"-of the Health Inspector. There were no slum areas in Hampstead, and all tho houses; were located on half or quarLor-iicro sections. Along tho portion of the Belt whore the correspondent resides, the houses are practically all on half-acre sections. Generally spoaking, Hampstcad had plenty of breathing space, and its health record would compare favourably with the best in the Dominion.

Passing on to the minor grievances complained of. Mr Robinson stated that the board had no control over cows whoso blatant bellowing annoyed the correspondent, except so far as to impound any cuttle straying on the streets. Tho hoard could not undertake to provide muzzles for noisy cows. In regard to the fowls, the correspondent had his own remedy. As for the stray .dogs, tho near location of the correspondent to tho- Borough gave no guarantee that tho. canines were Hampstcad-ownod. The fact that the correspondent has dogs ol his, own might offer an incentive for other dog« to visit his nremisos.

Referring to Iho cheap house which the-correspondent proposed to sell at a .sacrifice, Mr Rohinson stated that ho had boon informed that tho correspondent had been offered nioro than h° gave, for the dwelling, but refused to accept. Ho understood that even now .the; house could not he bought, for less than ;VGloO' above tho sum originally paid, "so Mr Robinson said lie could not see ■.^vlierc" the sacrifice caiun in..