“ROLL OUT THE ‘ROLL-DOWN’”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12455, 25 May 1926, Page 6

“ROLL OUT THE ‘ROLL-DOWN’”

(To the Editor, “N.Z. Times.”) Sir, —There are many thousands of people, including the members of the deputation to the Petone Borough Council, who are grateful to you and your staff, first for the vivid live report of the proceedings at the council meeting last Friday night, and next, for your leader of to-day. Such live reporting will always dbmmand readers, and it was no wonder that the local agent was sold out of papers before 9 a.m. on Saturday. Your leader of to-day strikes the note which not a few of this borough have been playing oh since last Friday night, viz.: “The Petone Borough Council has done the right thing. It has notified the “rolldowns” they are not wanted in that suburb. In this Petone has given a lead which other municipalities ought to follow, and without further delay.” This would not have eventuated, but for the case made out by the deputation which waited on the council, and expressed the strong feeling in the community. The “other side” had been unguarded enough to let it out that every councillor had beei}. button-holed, and that six councillors were pledged to them. Some of the councillors changed their views under the searchlight of publiq opinion, and the others probably feel by this time that they have made a serious blunder. But for the deputation, and the fine diplomacy of the Deputy-Mayor, the “roll-down” would have been battening on this community for many a day, bringing ruin to numbers of young people, anxiety to parents, and very serious loss to the legitimate business people. Let the business men of Wellington, the Civic League—or any kindred body —and the churches unite and attack this evil through the City Council, and in a month they will roll the “rolldowns” out of the city.—l am, etc., J. A. LOCHORE. The Parsonage, 37, Nelson street, Petone. (To the Editor, “N.Z. Times.”) Sir.—On behalf of Messrs Hartley, Carey, Rev. J, C, Lochore, and myself, members of the deputation who waited upon the Petone Borough Council on Friday last, asking for the rescission of the tentative permit granted by the conncil to open a “Roll Down” parlour in our I main street, I have pleasure in tendering you our sincere thanks for: (1) the particularly clear report of what took place in the council chamber; and (2) your sub-leader on same in this morning’s issue. I havo been in many fights for what I have considered to be for the rights and best interests of our residents, and your kindly comment is very encouraging. Please express our appreciation of the first news item to the reporter who filled the assignment.— I am, etc. JOSEPH PIPER, J.P. May 24th.