FOR REAL AND LASTING PROGRESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 13 June 1936, Page 11

FOR REAL AND LASTING PROGRESS

(To The Editor' Sir, —I read with considerable interest the letter signed “Hardy” which appeared in your columns this evening, and which makes trenchent comment on various matters affecting the welfare and progress of Nelson. The writer heartily agrees with “Hardy” in so far as he offers criticism of the lack of civic amenities considering the amount of rates levied in comparison with other cities. When one adds the cost of rubbish collection, and rent of gas and electric light meters to the exorbitant charge for electricity, the total is staggering. During the year ended 31st March, 1936, we paid the Council the sum of £222 13s for gas and electricity, included in this amount being over £3 for rent of meters (11), which we understand cost the Council something like £1 each, and, if our information regarding the cost of these meters is correct, we think it is outrageous that we should be compelled to pay an annual levy of about one-third of said cost, in rent. Personally the writer has not observed any sign of slackness in business among Nelsonians, and during nine years of residence we have been as well served, and in some instances better served, by local firms than we were in other parts of New Zealand. The writer has visited many lands and resided in several New Zealand cities and has no hesitation in saying that apart from a few things which require adjustment, and which eventually must be adjusted, Nelson offers more attractions for folk desiring to live in peaceful and beautiful surroundings, than any town or city he has had experience of. In spite of the drawbacks referred to by “Hardy”, and the writer, the latter, although not born in Nelson, hopes to be known, for the remainder of his days as a Nelsonian, and to see, in the near future, the drawbacks removed, so that this lovely little city may come into its own and make real and lasting progress.—l am etc. ROBT. E. LADBROOK. Nelson, 10th June.