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Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 104, 30 October 1900, Page 2

MELROSE COUNCIL LOAN PROPOSALS. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — You have undoubtedly been very liberal with your space on this important question, ana I did not intend to trespass again on your columns on,, this matter, but I think j-ou will allow that it is only fair I should be given a chance to .reply to a statement miuta in a letter signed, "In the Know," in your issue of the 24th instant, which I am in duty bound to challenge, because my honour and credit is questioned. Your correspondent said I voted for the whole of the proposals included in the roads schedule, and asks how I defiue my position. Sir, I reply by stating that the assertion is fa.se", as the minute-book will p'ljovo to any one who will take the trpuble to consult it at the Council's office. It will be there found that when the Council Was discussing the schedule for these works I moved to strike out the item for the Island Bay esplanade, but met with no support, not even a seconder. Also when we got to that part where provision is made for half cost for certain streets named, I moved the work in those particular streets be carried out unconditionally ; that also met with no support, not even a, seconder. The rest of the schedule was passed, without any objection, with the exception of approaches to the Borough. No other opposition was raised by any member of the Council, I was practically alone, and, as you are awaie, the Council was in Committee when discussing the schedule. The minute-book will confirm this if any one doubts it. In reference to my letter of the 22nd instant, "Progressive Ratepayer" and also "In the Know" (it would please me very 'much to know who they arc) both discredit my assertion that these special works 'were never asked for. I again repeat that the principal itoms, such as the Island Bay esplanade, the Happy Val-ley-road, or Evans Bay-road have never been asked for by any deputation to the CouncU since I became . a member of it, and, further, it is only from this point of view that I make this assertion. — I am, etc., . WM. NEWELL, Councillor. Island Bay, 26th October, 1900.