THE RECLAIMED LAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4255, 9 November 1874, Page 3

THE RECLAIMED LAND.

Sib,—You have rightfully, in your leading article of Saturday, reminded tlio citizens of the consequence and effects of the sale of the reclaimed land of Lamb-ton-quay to any person or company of speculators who may choose to buy it. I always thought that it was the duty of the Mayor and City Council to'protcct the property and interests of the citizens, and that they were elected with the understanding and knowledge of the duty they were undertaking. How is it, then, that at such a time as this, when that which will ere long be the most important part of the city is advertised for sale, tiiat we do not hear something about it from them? No appeal to the Superintendent; no exposition to the people ; no public meeting ; no petition. Are they all dumb dogs, only fit to snarl and bark at one another in the Council Chamber, fighting over trifles as the clients over the oyster shells, while the Provincial Government, like the lawyer, cats up the oyster? Sir, the reason of this is easily seen. These institutions are as antagonistic to one another as light and darkness, and as long as the one has anything to do with the other the weakest must of necessity go to the wall. The Provincial Solicitor sits as the head of the municipal body ; and the interests of the city have been altogether neglected. There are some good men amongst the Councillors who know that things are going wrong, but arepuzzled for want of perception to know how to rectify it. If the head of the spring is poisoned, can you expect the water that runs from it to be wholesome ? The citizens generally have their every-day business to attend to, and having elected men who promised to look after their interests, have left the matter in their hands, but men are mostly always willing to promise great things to attain honorable positions, without considering whether they have time or talent to perform the duties of the undertaking. I was exceedingly glad that Mr. George Hunter (than whom there is no more honorable man in this city) declined to bo elected as Mayor, for how could he, as an honorable man. being one of the Provincial Executive, act as Mayor ana see the best interests of the city sold to speculators, and the money used to uphold a rotten institution which is selling the lands, which means the revenue of succeeding years, to maintain their present tottering position ; it is something of the post obit trade, and the members of the Provincial Government seem to bo adepts at It. I hope before the election of Mayor the citizens will arouse themselves from the apathy into which prosperity has lulled them, and call a public meeting, and let the persons who aspire to be the first magistrate of this the capital city of New Zealand, have a chance of explaining their views on this important matter of the sale of the unreclaimed land! Meanwhile, the City Council should on the part, or with the signatures, of the people petiti on the Superintendent to put off tho sale. And I think lie is too wise not to grant such a favor to the city of Wellington.—l am. &c., One Who is Deeply Intkiiested.