AN OFFICIAL BLUNDER. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 92, 19 April 1894, Page 4

AN OFFICIAL BLUNDER. TO THE EDITOR.

Sib— The official actions of the' publio Departments are not usually of great interest to the public, although of great publio importance. A proclamation in a recent Gazette made by the Minister acting for the Minister for Pnblio Works ib of this character. This proclamation professes to take for the Te Aro railway parts of Vio-toria-streot, Clyde-quay, Municipal reserve, and dock site. A few years baok one of the Ministers made a similar mistake with regard to two streets in Palmerston North, and thereby led the Railway Commissioners into great difficulties. On that occasion the Supreme Court deoided that no one had any power to take streets by proclamation, and it was also pointed out that the Minister's proclamations had no effect on railways ve&ted in the Railway Commissioners. It will be interesting to learn after this trouble and decision why any Minister should again attempt to issue a proclamation whioh is ultra vires. It behoves the Municipal body and the Harbour Board to enquire why an impotent instrument suoh as this proclamation should be issued, making a pretence of dealing with the pnblio streets and reserves, and it should be for the City members to ascertain why an empty form of proclamation is issued when a special Aot is probably needed to place all the parties concerned and affected in a proper position. I am, &c, 17th April. J.P.M.