THE HAMLET OVER YONDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24474, 6 December 1940, Page 4

THE HAMLET OVER YONDER

tO THE EDITOR

Sir, —You have been over-generous in the allocation of space to give publicity to the three-cornered contest for the St. Klida mayoralty. \I suggest that the most economical method of finalising the contest would be achieved if the three names were put in a hat, and a small child were asked to choose one paper. The position of the St. Kilda borough with respect to its relationship with the Dunedin City Corporation is uncivic. For years the residents of St. Kilda have shared with the citizens of Dunedin proper the amenities provided by the ratepayers of Greater Dunedin, but have provided no revenue towards their maintenance. The St. Kilda residents benefit by the services provided by our municipal baths, parks, and in some cases even procure books from the public library. Furthermore, the City Corporation pays an annual rent fo_r the right to run electric cars through the borough to provide transport by which St. Kilda, alone, profits. With respect to the services provided by gas mains, Eower lines and the water mains, the orough subscribes nothing towards capital expenditure. Some years ago lan Hay ably wrote of the oppressed Englishman. In our city there is the oppressed ratepayer. That which affects all should be shared by all—and interest charges and maintenance costs should come under the same category. The borough of St. Kilda has subscribed nothing towards capital expenditure of services from which it has materially benefited. I suggest, Sir, that the three candidates be asked to state their attitude regarding the question of amalgamation.—l am, etc., Tape Worm.