FOOTPATHS.

Southland Times, Issue 25307, 10 June 1935, Page 5

FOOTPATHS.

To the Editor. Sir,—l take this opportunity to say that we have had engineers? previously of exceptional ability, they studied the property-owner’s interests as far as possible; but I cannot say so for our present engineers. The way they are burying the properties in Ettrick street at present is a disgrace, and a great engineering feat for our councillors or any ratepayer to admire. Surely they could have kept the new footpath to the old level, as was laid down by the previous experienced engineers, and save all the cost of filling, and given a reasonable entrance to the properties. If this is to continue, T say without exaggeration, that it will cost more money than the Invercargill City Council is able to collect or borrow to do our footpaths. I say this is a downright disgrace and I hope the council will look into the matter before it is too late. I am given to understand that the council intends raising the rates this year. Well possibly this may be required, but I would like to know, along with many other ratepayers, why there are four engineers and a foreman employed to carry out the works of this small town, as I do not see very much work being carried out which needs engineering at present, nor in the past two years or more. I say that a thorough investigation of all avenues in the Works Department should be pursued and a thorough economy plan adopted. We cannot expect cheap footpaths laid down with the overhead expenses as great aB they are at present, and with the unnecessary work being carried out at present in Ettrick street. The engineer in chief must lack the organizing abilities required of him if he cannot engineer this town without the under staff he employs, and I say without hesitation that the council should investigate this matter also. This matter was brought before the intending councillors at the previous election and a promise was ’ made to look into the matter, but nothing eventuated, so I hope <ur new council will pursue the matter in the interests of the ratepayers who are footing the bill every time, and who get nothing but their feet in pot-holes and' overhigh gateway entrances. —I am, etc., » “RATEPAYER.”