Our Newspaper Boys.

Star (Christchurch), 25 July 1893, Page 3

Our Newspaper Boys.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — I went to the City Council last night in order to hear the debate (!) on the motion of his Worship the Mayor to license the newspaper boy runners. I expected some fan, and I was not disappointed. The boys to the number, I suppose, of about i thirty or forty, took possession of the front ) seats of the dress circle, and throughout \ the proceedings behaved themselves remarkably well. The Mayor spoke very appropriately, but it was quite evident he wa3 not in touch with his Council or the ; audience. It is no wonder, therefore, that : his words of wisdom fell fiat. The Councillors : all seemed to sympathise with the boys, ■ and although the young rascals were I accused by the Mayor of playing at pitch ■ and toss in Gloucester street and smoking ; cigarettes, yet they came off with a flourish ■of trumpets at the last. I for one have ; been about at all hours, and save with the ; exception of being asked to purchase a ; paper, I have never been annoyed by any ,of the boys. Why, therefore, all thiß f 1133 ; and bother? la his Worship about to purchase a newspaper .as well as a theatre, and so display his proclivities as a master of the mime, and at > the same time a member of the Fourth Estate ? The Council would have none of ' the motion, so it was shelved until next meeting night, when his Worship threa- ■ tens to bring it forward again. I think : the Council and the public are sick of ib, so I would advise him to let it alone. — , I am, &c, RATEPAYER.