CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 3 April 1907, Page 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

PRISON LABOUR.

To The Editor. Sir, — In connection with the discussion of municipal affairs in Nelson, one cannot help feeling alarmed at the statements made in reference to the ratos. Is it not time for the ratepayers to give the matter their serious attention? For I am almost certain that when theso reports get in circulation it will not tend to encourage outsiders to come and reside in Nelson, which is a most essential thing in overy way. May I suggest a partial remedy to free the ratepayers of a portion of the heavy expenditure? Prior to my doing so I know there will be a little opposition of the labouring class, but one cannot help that, for the question is too serious and must be looked, into in a very broad light. My iuggestion is as follows — Would it not be possible to apply to the Minister of Justice and obtain his sanction for, sav, fifteen short-centenced prisoners to do certain works such as the planting of Milton Acre, making of the Maitai bank road, certain works on the Rocks Road, the Quay, and other works that would tend to beautify the eity? I understand in other parts of the colony prisoners are engaged in this work, and the only expense the borough council is r>ut to is the salary of a warder. If the'Council can see its way clear to obtain the prisoners I am certain it would be a great help in keping the heavy expenditure down. I nm, etc., ANXIOUS.