TAKAPUNA BOATING CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19397, 4 August 1926, Page 8

TAKAPUNA BOATING CLUB.

Sir.—ln reply to Mr. M. W. Forsyth's question re the conflict of opinions of two engineers as to the requirements of the borough for expansion at its entrance at Bayswater, I am quite content to let any engineer, or layman for that matter, decide the question for himself, taking a line from the new reclamation, and decide which opinion is right. The •answer to Mr. Fortzer's query as to my attitude at the meeting he refers to is that I supported the advice of our experts—engineer and legal adviser—and, as they are interested in the welfare of the borough as a whole, what better advice can one get? As to whether I have done anything while for Bayswater, let Mr. Fortzer inquire of any, unbiassed councillor on that point. When I first entered the council, over five years ago, I found Bayswater and Belmont* without any organisation whatever, so I formed an association to lift the district along And for a time the association did most useful work, till an election came along. Then, for some reason best known to the authors, a "plump" vote was arranged excluding councillors who had helped Bayswater and Belmont. One particularly good member from Mil ford was beaten at the poll, and that strengthened my opinion that the "plumping," or " ticket " principle, of voting is not in the best interests of any borough. That - leads to the point that no matter how faithfully a councillor may strive to improve his district, his efforts may be nullified by those whom he is endeavouring to help. The answer to Mr. Carr's question about leasehold and freehold is contained in my answer to Mr. Fortzar. I quite agree with Mr. Carr that the council expended sums of money in improving the clubhouse; in fact, the council has been most generous to the club. But, as councillors are trustees only, there must be a limit to their generosity with ratepayers' money. Mr. Carr's constructive suggestion of securing a recreation reserve is refreshing and he will be pleased to know that steps are being taken in this matter. Aiex. H. WOKta.