Letters to the Editor. HAMILTON WEST TOWN BELT RESERVE.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 557, 14 December 1875, Page 2

Letters to the Editor. HAMILTON WEST TOWN BELT RESERVE.

Sir, — Although not a ratepayer, I was present at the meeting held o*l Wednesday evening last for the purpose ofbaving a portion of the laad upon the lake set apart for a recreation ground. Now, sir, I would like to know in the first place why the ratepayers of Hamilton West were called upon to discuss this impart taut matter instead of the ' Public' Hay© only those who pay direct taxes a voice in a matter like that discussrd 00 Wednesday last, but which concern the public generally ? IJhink differently. It would seem that thetp was some underhand work going on, some cliquism ior the benefit of the grasping few. After some discussion Mr Hay moved " That it is desirahle that the J^rtion of the Hamilton town belt on the JaFe between Mr Cox'S and Mr Jollv'a

fence be set apart as a recreation reserve for the public of Hamilton West (such reserve to include the use of the lake), and to be vested in the authorities for the lime bei rg of the said township. " Mr Madden unored as an amendment tlmt tfee word * r fWio" should be substituted for « the public of Hamilton West" The amendnoent was pat and lost-, but the original •motion was never formally put and cannot tie legitimately 'embodied in the petition to the Government. Now, sir, leaving this oat of the question, if the ground is set apart for a recreation ground for Hamittdh West, it is making it exclusive. When it was suggested that tfc -should be ■be'maele <a public ground, the idea was pooh-poohed, and 'the answer was, ob, •it dtoeßn't matter. lam of opinion it does matter. As the resolution reads, only West Hamiltonions can-occupy the ground and a person bringing friends thero •from other districts or indeed from Hamilton JE ist, would be liable to suffer the indig*nrjjy of having them hurried off. 1 say *" iutble," because, if not, why was it net made a public affair altogether. It proves one of two things: either there is some j "" little "game'V to be played whf^ch will <cdme to light when it is too late to prevent it,' or those who proposed the -resolution took, to say the least of it, a very narrow -minded view -of ~n question in which all should be equally concerned. Ifthe grant asked for is given, I hope it will be for a public reserve and not merely for the.people of Hamilton West. — i am, Ac, One of the Pd«lic. [We qnite agree with -"*©ne of the Pubthat it is time such Uliberality as that of should be abandoned unless become a community -of ** Little, 'Pediingtons" in Waikato. Our correspondent, however, is incorrecfc as regards the passing of the first resolution. Both amendment and original motion were put by the chairman, for the former«thepe were he<d up 6 for the latter 13 hands. — £». W.T.