THE MARKET HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, 30 March 1876, Page 3

THE MARKET HOUSE.

To the Editor o£ the Herald. Sir, —Your correspondent " Charter" is i not altogether correct in his statements re- • lative to the closing of the western wing ■ of the market. From his letter, it would be inferred it was done by the Council against the will of the present lessee, whereas it was I done by his desire, with the twofold object ! of assisting him and at the same time saving the outlay necessary for a building required for the waterworks testing purpose, storage, i &c., and although done during the term of the, • Mayoralty of the previous Mayor, was done, I learn, against his consent and views. As regards the right of the Council to close this, or any other entrance, there is not the i slightest doubt. They have full control, ; and can close any entrances, but one, they may deem advisable (with the consent o£ the lessee for the time being). They have to deal I -with him alone, and the stallholders have ■ also alone to deal with the lessee. It is posi sible that the temporary closing of the western wing has not tended towards increasing the i traffic through the market; although that is > not altogether the legitimate object of a ; market; and if that alone were wanted, it is met by the fact that a thoroughfare has - been provided next to one of the corner fruit stalls, and ventilation seems amply pro- ■ provided for. No injury can occur to any - future lessee. If the lease is purchased with i certain public conditions respecting that or i any other part being closed, he buys with his eyes open, and knowß exactly what he 3 has to expect. To argue that the Council 3 must keep a thoroughfare through the Market, j and make a street of it, to please the views , of the stall-holders is only misleading f them. Doubtless the atalllhoders, believing

Ie the traffic (which it may be) is conduciTo ta ,e business, consider they have a grievance, but y. that .is matter., purely for.the. consideration d * of the lessee, who should make the premises ;s he has to let as attractive as he possibly can e. to" his tenants, or suffer the consequences. % The market will be leased next Thursday, r If the stall-holders desire the Council to red open the western wing, they should at onco petition them. I believe they meet on = Monday, 2rd proximo.—l am, &c., Facts.