THE PROPOSED COUNTY OF TIMARU.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2340, 23 June 1868, Page 3

THE PROPOSED COUNTY OF TIMARU.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE lATTELTON TIMES, Sir,—Permit me to contradict a statement made in a local paragraph which appeared in your issue of the 12th instant. In that paragraph it is asserted that I recommended a county scheme to the Local Government League of Timaru, " which shews an estimated revenue of £33,000 for the district, and an annual expenditure of £13,000, or close on 40 per cent, for expenses of government," Sir, I did nothing of the kind. The proposed expenditure of £13,000 was distinctly stated as being composed of no less than £7OUO for Hoad Boards, £SOOO for immigration (clearly not " expenses of government"), and the balance of £4OOO for surveys, education, and departmental expenses. I estimated about six per ceut. of the revenue for " expenses of government," and not forty as stated in the paragraph complained of!

The reference made to £13,000 (which sum I proposed should be considered as revenue specially set apart for certain purposes), was in the following paragraph :—"I believe that an engineer and two good clerks would be all the " officers" required, In examining this question I have made an approximate estimate of the cost of all the services named, and allowing £2,000 for immigration, and £7,000 for Road Boards, I make out that the total sum required would be about £l3,ooo,leaving £20,000 in the hands of the County Board for main roads, bridges, public works, etc." I leave the public to judge whether your statement is warranted by actual faetfl. Your obedient servant, A. G. HORTON. Timaru, June 18,1868.