STRONG CRITICISM.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 250, 21 October 1924, Page 4

STRONG CRITICISM.

I HAMILTON BOROUGH AFFAIRS, j 1 DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION. (By Telegraph.—-Own Corresponded.) [ HAMILTON, this day. Strong criticism of borough administration was voiced by a big meeting of the Chamber of Commerce last night, when it was stated by various speakers that great extravagance had been permitted by doing work by day labour instead of by contract. The Council were also trounced for paying one of its own workmen £100 a month on a carting contract entered into with him. The Chamber considered all jobs above £20 should be tendered for. One speaker declared that if any private carrier conducted his business as < did the Borough, he would be bankrupt in a month. He bad seen trucks, each j , worth £1600, standing in the station ' yard w.'.th one man loading them with a ' shovel and the drivers sitting reading i books. 1 A resolution was passed urging a thorough investigation into the conduct of borough works by an expert. The meeting further decided to urge the Government to revalue the borough, j It was pointed out that five years had; elapsed since t'.'c last valuation, and j that in the meantime over ..2,000,000 worth of 'mprovements had been aided. The present burden of rates, it was asserted, was being borne by main street business people. The fire rates in Hamilton are amongst the highest in the Dominion, despite the fact that its fire-fighting equipment s now amongst the most modern. It ha, two engines, a permanent staff, and a perfect system of alarms; while the water pressure has been consiCe ably improved. In Yjew of this the Chamber decided to urge the Underwriters' Association to consider lowering the premiums. " j | ' ! ! Brace Cunningham, carrier and eon- I tractor, of Queen Street. Onehunga, has i filed a petition in bankruptcy. The j J first meeting will be held on November 6.