PUBLIC SQUARE PUBLIC WANTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6832, 10 October 1883, Page 3

PUBLIC SQUARE PUBLIC WANTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The suggested proposal to leave an open square at the foot of Shortland-street has been spoken of by a number of persons prior to the appearance of your correspondent's letter on the same subject, and while no doubt a very desirable object, it is to be feared the number of large projects for city improvements at present before the public are likely to suffer if we seek to do too much in this direction. A rent-roll of nearly three thousand pounds a year, with an annual rateage of probably seven hundred per annum, is certainly more than this city can prepare to sacrifice for the purpose of giving an open square unless it is proposed to utilise a considerable , portion If the city prospers, as we hope it may, we cannot expect to localise all the important buildings, wharves, and railwayBtations in one spot. The late additions to the city, new loans, &c, will take all the City Council can do, with its present limibed rating powers, to provide for. There are, however, a few " trifles" this city does much require, which I commend to the attention of the benavoltntly inclined, in the way of improvements. Firstly, a Lunatic Asylum, whero room for classification admits of a poor unfortunate not being murdered, or of the temporary insane, imbeciles, &c, being driven mad from association with raving lunatics. Secondly, a Benevolent Society, where the deserving widow, the fatherless and tie afflicted may be provided for or helped without having to advertise their wants, or depenrj on the temper of those they are neo2ssitated to beg irom; and a public Prisoners', Aid Society, ready and willing to help the fallen and put them in the way of earning an honest livelihood. If we can accomplish those objects we shall do much towards "improving our city " in a another important direction,—Yours, &c, Wayfarer.