ONEHUNGA FINANCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8960, 18 August 1892, Page 3

ONEHUNGA FINANCES.

Sir,l feel sure that in common with the majority of your readers you abominate the vapourings of local politicians—and I have neither the time nor the desire to inflict such pain upon you. Still I would ask a short space to reply to the meanderings of my friend, a late Mayor of Onehunga. The letter really explains itself, and contains the keynote to the whole present situation, for in a space of twenty - two lines, there occurs in never-ending repetition, upwards of twenty " I's." We poor mortals, endowed with ordinary intellects, must admit that such a collection of personal pronouns— cased in only one mortal coil — constitute a political prodigy of which a country might well be proud. I cordially detest personalities, and look upon a mayor or chairman as simply a unit, who forms but part of a whole body corporate of which he may be mouthpiece for the time being, consequently I will use the plural " we" in stating a few facts, and leave to my friend the monopoly of those " I's." In 1887 the Borough of Onehunga had let a contract for upwards of £7000 to provide the borough with water works, and there was not a shilling in the exchequer to meet the first demands of the contractor for some thousands of pounds. At this stage we took office, upon the retirement of Dr. Scott. We then raised £5000, and received notice from the contractor that in two months the works would be completed, and he would then require the balance of his money—upwards of £2000. The majority of the Council advised raising this amount by special loan, and spreading it over a number of years, hat took place ? The übiquitous "I" stated that if he was given the place he would manage without "borrowing a shilling," and " we" (including five councillors) threw away the "bauble of a orown" to give effect to his desires. 'Result: After three years, when "we" were again asked to take office—December, 1891—the contractor had had £1600 time penalties deducted from him, and driven into the Bankruptcy Court. The Onehunga Cemetery had been opened in defiance of legal advice, and £400 spent upon it. Twenty-five bodies had been buried there— and an injunction from the Supreme Court pending over us—which has since been issued — the expense of £50. Another contractor—McCarthy (whose case is now under trial) suing the borough for £53 ; a lawyer's bill of two years' standing, unpaid for £130; charitable aid, £75, a year overdue; and other items urgently pressing, to the amount of £270: to meet which there was in hand—£s2. All these items are now liquidated, witli the exception of McCarthy's claim. The scenes and disorder at Council meetings were such that many threaten toresign. Owing to disregarding certain pledges the fire brigade had resigned en masse, and our insurance rates had been doubled. And in defiance of pledges two thousand odd pounds had been taken from the general funds to bolster up the waterworks. . Such was the dainty dish to place before a municipal king. During my absence a few weeks back the Council almost unanimously determined upon building Council Chambers at a cost not exceeding £400. The buildings are erected, but from some subterranean influence they are now I believe to become a hotel. I need not go further. Facts are stubborn—comment is unnecessary. It is now night—the pale moon is reflecting her face upon the placid waters of the Manukau, surrounded by thousands of sparkling orbs, the bairns are asleep in their cots, ana Mars is in close communication with Venus, enjoying the placidity of the scene, when lo! the discordant notes of that drum are again heard, but its cadence has gone, and its sounds are discordant and feeble. What is the cause? The bubble has bursted, and with Sampson of old you can hear the voice of "I" lamenting "Oh ! Delilah ! My locks are shorn!" Good night, Mr. Editor. am, &c., William R. C. Erson, Mayor of Onehunga.