ROPING OFF THE STREETS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 132, 5 June 1901, Page 5

ROPING OFF THE STREETS.

WELLINGTON, this day

The Reception Committee finds itself confronted with a difficulty in regard to roping off the streets. The Governor looked to the Reception Committee to do this, and the Committee looked to the t Government. The Governor and the Premier say the "Committee must do it."

"Suppose we won't?" asked Councillor Barber.

The Mayor: "Then the Royal party won't come, here."

His Worship has informed the Premier that the Council has no money for the purpose. Jt is the old case oi' too many cooks.

What is the real cause of all the.se wrangles over funds? Simply this — that tho wealthy nabobs of the Empire City, who grow fat on princely incomes derived from interest on mortgages or high rentals, button up their breeches' pockets, leaving the burden on the shoulders of the business people and the masses. Yet these miserly people will be the very persons who will push themselves to the front at the coming functions. Half a dozen wealthy old "screws" could Tje mentioned who could have defrayed the whole cost of the decorations without feeling it at all if (ah! that if) possessed the needed public spirit. No doubt.the calls upon the people have been somewhat heavy of late in connection with the contingents, patriotic fund.s, and the various displays, but it is a pity that a city like Wellington should be in such ignoble straits for means, mainly owing to a lack of patriotism and public spirit on the part of some of its wealthiest citizens.