An Explanation

Southland Times, Issue 14684, 2 July 1900, Page 3

An Explanation

-» TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I would like to reply to Councillor Allen re his statements at the last meeting of the Borough Council about Corporation employes working on the bowling green. He said it was wet on the morning in question, which I deny. He also stated that I had no agreement with Mr T. Lock to do the work for tbe club. To this I have to Siy that Mr Lock a-kedme to do the work, and as no one e!-e was present I am at a loss to understand what Mr Allen knows about it. I was also unaware that the Corpoi ation kept casual handß for hiring out at a minute's notice without the mayor's authority. In reply to Councillor Rote I would like to ask him if he calls men who have been working for the Corporation for years casual hands. Owing to trie disgraceful condition of the etreets, though they have taken on some extra hands, it puzzles me how the Oounoil could spare the<-e men to compete with private gardeners. Another matter I might mention to prove what I , h%ve said to be true is that although lhe I mayor stopped the men he was afterwards persuaded by the bowliog club to allow them to contifcu*?. Now, who has the control of the*© men — the mayor or the bowling club, or bath ? I put it to the ratepayers that it is not fair nor desirable that theee men should compete against them with Corporation tools found. Councillor Rote stated that there was plenty of wok for the men chippiDg the streets. In rep'y to Mr A'len I can bring witneeeea to prove that Mr Miller was on the green with lh* men. I i nought the Council had a gocd lesson tome tune back with their offioerj interfering with private work, but it eeesns to have been forgotten. lam scr.y to trouble you, but as my letter to the Council was not fully reported this will clear up any misunderstanding — I am, etc., Geo. Cou_in<;. 29;h June. j