BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16379, 4 March 1919, Page 2

BOROUGH ADMINISTRATION.

Sir,—The councillors of the borough of New Plymouth, by the authority of the ratepayers, have the spending of about .£42,000, the greater part of tins amount being in the development of the electric light department, which should, if carried out on proper business lines, prove a good investment to the borough. Regarding the money to be spent under the £IO,OOO loan, many ratepayers gave their votes in favour of the loan to assist the council to tide over the many mistakes of vanished years, in the methods of those administering the roads and footpaths of the borough. In the next election for members of the council ratepayers have the chance and should endeavour to secure men that have backbone enough to stick up to their convictions, not being influenced in anything brought before the council by its effects on somebody or individuals, but in the best of the general public. As an illustration let me ask what has become of the public conveniences that have been debated upon at the council table many times? Does it matter if we had it erected in the busiest part of the town, provided it is erected on the latest scientific lines ? Where do Auckland and Christchurch have their conveniences? We can modulate in our _ modesty or manners as regards this important necessity in our town. Now, sir, I would like to know the date the borough purchased a road grader,, how often has it been used, why is it not now used to build up and improve many pf our side grass roads and streets, of which we have many? The council have horses and traction, and I suppose a new foreman by this, and is this fine modern implement to be put into action, a boon to local bodies, or is it to be condemned to the scrap heap ? Norman Street, Vogeltown, has been before the council several times. About sis months ago the engineer and the foreman were over this important work taking levels. t Two or three months ago, in answer to a councillor, the Mayor stated the engineer had the matter in hand and would attend tp same, but nothing has been done. How much is it going to take to repair Devon Street—a newly made road or street only about four years old? What about the electric ’bus body; is it high enough to keep ladies and gentlemen from dragging off their headgear? Well, sir, I don’t know what our councillors think, but would it not be better to take our lead from some progressive town and leave such as the one-man system of tram-car control to those who have good sound administration, not only in the council, but in the staff ? We want the trams in a small town like this run to suit the interests of those that uso them. On the trams we have a good obliging body of men, highly; spoken of by visitors. Pay them a living wage, and keep to a system giving satisfaction throughout the Dominion to the general public or wait till the public wants a change for the better. Enough! though I could say more.- Councillors and ratepayers, get thinking, be in hopes for thorough care and better administration, and brighter days are in store for a town that should have a big future before it. Thanking you for space,—l am, etc., RATEPAYER.