MUNICIPAL MUDDLEMENT.

NZ Truth, Issue 817, 9 July 1921, Page 9

MUNICIPAL MUDDLEMENT.

Dear "Truth," — It is really high time that the citizens took a more active part m the administration of its affairs. The costs m connection with the various works being 1 carried, and proposed to be carried on, will require the earnest attention, not only of the actual ratepayers, but of all. the citi2ens, who though not ratepaj r ers. are m a sense so, as they 'have to pay rents proportionate to the amounts of taxes paid- by the landlords. In the first place come the tramways. As population- increases, fares increase out of all proportion to what they should. When the late traffic manager was alive the fares were less, the profits were more, though the number of passengers was much less. 'There is an old saying, "No man can serve two "masters." The present tram manager was imported as city engineer. Whether he had any technical knowledge of the management of tramways no one knows, but, anyhow, he was appointed tramways manager on the death of Mr. Richardson. When he was appointed to succeed the late manager, hia salary was increased. If the work of city engineer was not sufficient to keep him fully employed his salary should have been reduced; instead of this he was appointed tramways manager, and hia salary increased. Ever since this appointment the profits of the trams have decreasr ed, the expenses have increased, and there are no profits- It may be that, to a certain extent, the war had Something to do with it, but the increases have been greater than ever since the war was over. It is high time that the citizens took action m the matter, and insisted upon the appointment of a manager who has" had- proper experience as such, and let the city engineer attend to the class of work he was engaged to do. ■ Look at the streets of the city—- they have never been worse — tinkering the whole time. The streets are filthy, the footpaths often greasy and covered with litter of all kinds. In tho nastiest of weather few crossings are swept. The dust carts distribute not only odors, but filth if it is blowing. Now arid again a street sweeping machine comes along, more often than not the results are left close to the footpaths, so that the unwary blunder into them; Seldom are the streets watered and the dust is so bad that there is great risk of being blinded for the time. <W)hat about the £8000 for motorcars, etc.? The- city can't stand this. Surely the inspectors can use motorbikes or the trams. If they did any good there might be excuses for their joy-rides. Do they drive the cars, or are drivers required-? There is a proposal to ereci more houses; the amount authorised is £10,000, and this enormous sum for only ten houses. A monstrous expense. Bricks are at a discount- And what about the zoo? A loss of £2000 for the year, and there is a proposal to obtain an elephant and a camel. Even with the extra, passengers m trams to visit the zoo, it and the trams are at a heavy loss. The citl-zens and ratepayers must at the next election of councillors, elect good business men who have proved themselves such by their success m life. — Yours, etc., "CITIZEN."