RECEPTION OF THE DUKE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2223, 22 March 1869, Page 3

RECEPTION OF THE DUKE.

To the Editor qf the Otago Daily Times. Sik—The Provincial Government of Wellington proposes to expend the sum of L 2 *6 upon tho reception of H.It.H. tbe Duke of Edinburgh. Mr Fish has given notice of motion, that in the City of Dunedin, the'sum of LSOO le expended upon the same object Now, apart altogether from the legal question whether or not such an expenditure can be construed aa incurred " for tbe public benefit of the inhabitants," it seem* outrageous to propose to make such a use of the city funds, whilo there are so many sanitary works — works of vital importance to the citizens— which cannot be undertaken for want of money. The Dake of Edinburgh is expected to remain three days only in Dnnedin, and all expenses connected with hia visit will, of coarse, be paid by the Provincial Govern- ' ment of Otago. The L6OO therefore would in all probability, be thrown away upon such things as triumphal arches, fireworks, and transparencies. I hear that there are not a few of tbe last on hand in the city. If the suggestion of the Mayor be carried out, and a " monitor meeting of the citizens" called, I feel sure that the majority of tbe ratepayers will decide that the Mayor and Councillors are well able to do justice to their p'-aition by the force of their own native dignity without any pecuniary aid out of the city's funds. As regards the decorations of the streets there i* no fear of the city disgracing itself ; individual merchant* and shopkoepcra will, there ia every r«-«aon to expect, decorate their places of business, aa they have always done on similar occasions, and exert themselves to the utmost, as far as their means warrant, to give Hia Royal Highness a suitable reception.—l am, &.0., Cms.