OPENING OF BLENHEIMSEDDON RAILWAY

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 230, 2 October 1902, Page 3

OPENING OF BLENHEIMSEDDON RAILWAY

20 THE EDITOR.

Sm,-Opening my «°Py °f your rained paper to-day J was surprised to see the Awatere Road Board were contributing £20 to promote social junketing upon the occasion of the opening of the Blenheim-Seddon railway. As a ratepayer to the Awatere Board I wish to enter the strongest possible protest to this use of our money, we are heavily taxed; indeed, I know some of the smaller ratepayers (those whose share of the luncheon will only consist in any sustenance they may derive from steam licked off the windows) in this district have a difficulty in meeting their payments in this direction. Festivities of this nature should be supported by voluntary contributions, in aid of which, if public money is not used, I would gladly give my guinea. I note the list of invitations inclndo representatives: or descendants of those whose work has made for the advancement of the district. I will ask you, Mr Editor, who have done more for the advancement of the district than the Starborough section of the Awatere ratepayers, mostly Canterbury men, who eagerly took up land which local farmers, with a few exceptions, were afraid to touch. Thanking you in anticipation for this opportunity and wanner of venting mj indignation, I sekb, etc.,

AWATEBB RATEPAYER. October Ist, 1902.