DEVONPORT AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIVIII, Issue 17684, 20 January 1921, Page 3

DEVONPORT AFFAIRS.

. Sir, —The Devonport Borough Council, r in response to requests from various asso--9 nations, included in its loan proposals . several items, foremost of which was & j i new fire station and equipment* Had all the- proposals been carried the extra £20,000 involved would not have made the slightest difference in the rates. These additions, however, were used as an ex - i cuse to cut out the whole scheme, and a right well (I should say wrongly) was it done The attitude adopted "was that the . council had not explained everything to the ratepayers or their associations. This was a very flimsy excuse, as anyone with ordinary intellect would not require any further explanation than what was given. However, some of the saner individuals reflected, and the expression, "we mast have roads," became a by-word. A good roads campaign was started, and everyone fell over each other to get votes. JSio . expense or effort was spared ; they did in about three weeks what the council could not (according to them) do. Result: A paltry 100 more votes than the first poll, but the figures were reversed. of a majority of about 50 against the roads, it was two to one for, plainly proving the writer's contention that- they cut out the roads in the first instance for no reason at all. What an achievement for the good roads campaigners, and now, where are we? It was quite freely stated the council could never get the money if the scheme was sanctioned; it looks as if they had lost the man to do the job, too. This remark will doubtless be met with the expression that there are "as good fish in the sea as were ever caught, but you cannot always catch the good fish when necessary. Some very good Bpecimena of Mr. Bourke'a handiwork can - already be seen, and have been eulogised by engineering authoritias from all parts of the Dominion. Mr. Bonrke is leaving the borough to take np duties which those who know, feel quite confident he can accomplish. His resignation is a. fitting reply to those "back-door , critics " (any number of them), who havd" become " borough engineers ** sine© the J council's proposal was first mentioned. Mr. Bourke has one regret, that he will not see Devonport what his naiad has al-i ways pictured it, and a pleasing picture, too. In conclusion, I consider the cutting out of the proposal for a new fire station and equipment a distinct smudge on the history of Devonport, which will never bo eradicated. T. H. Palsies.