THE CITY LEASES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9242, 20 December 1888, Page 3

THE CITY LEASES.

TO THE EDITOK.

Sm, —Your correspondent "J.G.," in to* day's paper, puts the case fairly enough, but he hardly puts it so strongly as he might do in favour of those unfortunate leaseholders who do not hold leases in that locality so highly favoured by our city fathers. Rightly or wrongly, the Council have made very large concessions to Messrs. Mason, Ambury, and CJarrett, giving thoso gentlemen all they asked for, and now when the (Jrcy-streeb leaseholders petition for a modest reduction of 30 per cent for two or three years, the Council seem to think that) an unreasonable concession is sought; they strain at a gnat after swallowing a camel. The Grey-street leaseholders took up their leases on the understanding that the town hall would be built on the site purchased by the Council. It was not mere talk, as upwards of £0000 had been paid for the Army and Navy Hotel, and with this substantial proof of the Council's intentions, it is no wonder that the lessees thought that the proposed erection of a Town Hall was not merely an auctioneer's puff. Instead of a handsome building we see only the unsightly ruins of tho foundations of the old hotel. Our worthy Mayor is reported to have said that if these rents are reduced tho income of the city will suffer. After the lavish expenditure in Hobson-street and. elsewhere, the public will judge how fz.v this will excuse the Council treating tho Grey-street leaseholders with less consideration than those of Karangahape Road.-r-I am, &.c, Justice.