THE MAN IN THE STREET.

Southland Times, Issue 21090, 23 May 1930, Page 3

THE MAN IN THE STREET.

To the Editor.

Sir,—On behalf of those members of my own profession who represent the ratepayers on the jCity Council and who supported the adoption of the Finance Committee’s recommendation on the question of considering a change in the city’s name, I desire to give expression to my resentment at the insinuation of the man on the street to whom you assign the place of honour, that those councillors had an axe to grind. Of course, you will find on the street any day men who are prepared to make such insinuations, but to publish them in print is another matter. To me the publication of such an unworthy jibe does not indicate a very lofty conception of journalism. The object of the Finance Committee, in bringing the suggestion forward, was to have a discussion and an expression of opinion, but opinions such as the one I have referred to contribute nothing; to the discussion and reflect no credit on the paper that publishes them. I might add that the Finance Committee was unanimously of the opinion (my conservative friend Councillor Brodrick being absent) that the matter was one deserving of serious consideration. While I cannot claim the credit of having raised the question in committee I supported the proposal to bring the matter before the council for discussion. I am still of opinion that a change is desirable in the interests of the city and I should like to have seen a broader view taken and a less conservative attitude of mind displayed towards a proposal that has much to recommend it.—l am, etc., H. J. MACALISTER.