Newmarket Reserve.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 183, 11 August 1885, Page 3

Newmarket Reserve.

(To the Editor.)

Sib,—Kindly allow me space to reply to the queries of Thomas Wallis, of Parnell, which appeared in last night's issue. With referonce to Mr Suiter's zeal and great interest on behalf of t.he district I bavo no wish t;o discuss, except to point out that whon Chairman of the District Board I was instrumental in getting the present entrance made to and the path made through the Domain, the main sewer covered in, which runs through the centre of the district, and the drain made down the KyberPaes and through Market-street without a loan. Neither had I a brewery dependent on Seccombe's for water to induce me to do so. The second—why did I not oppose the reserve being alienated at the Council—the question never come before us in any definite form. I refused to sign the petition of the few interested ratepayers because I maintain they have no right to take that reserve to drain private property, even if it was necessary, for the bill provides that the revenue from it should only bo ueed to drain the 200 houses standing in feotid water, as stated by the Mayor in a letter to tho Government. Tho third is—why had I not the manliness to go to the public meeting called to consider the question . For the simple reason that I could not bo in two places at once. I had to attend a representative meeting of friendly societies in Auckland at the same time ns this was held. Besides this meeting of the reserve was culled at a day's notice, without a requisition or motion of the Council. It should have been called before the bill was sent to Wellington. The last idea is so "suitorical" that I can only say that for the Bix weeks I am in the Council.l shall endeavour to do my duty to tho ratepayers who placed mo there, and if they think that Thomas Wallis, of Parnell, will serve them better, I shall be glad to be relieved of tho abuse and insolence of men whose names do not even appear on the burgess roll, and of every idiot who thinks ho has a right to interfere in other people's affairs.—l am, &c., John Jenkins.

The Harbour Board have decided not to prosecute their claim for compensation against the Government, but will accept the terms offered by tho Minister of Works some time ago, which was that the Government would reclaim a part of Mechanics Bay, and hand back a portion of the reclaimed land to the Board. Capt. N. Smith, on the 10 o!olock trip of the steamer Alexandra between Devonport and Auckland last evening, found a cedar boot somewhat damaged floating in midstream. He feared that some accident had occurred, and went alongside of the craft, which had no person on board, took her in tow, and beached her at the North Shore The boat has not yet been identified. She bears no_ name, but vory much resembles a ship's gig.