To the Editor of the Daily Southmn Gkoss. Sib, — I have been amuied of lute by a hoit of corres pondents in your contemporary, about the doings of the members of the City Board, and the improve ments in the City. It ia a well-known fact that taxes in any shape are not held in esteem— more especially direct taxes. It appears, to my humble judgment, ' that a great deal of unmerited abuse has bean put' upon the City Commissioners by some of — not all — the ratepayers. I believe that there are some who will award a meed of thanks to the laid Board for the improvements carried out. But it is impossible to please all, as the present rates will not make all the improvements required over some thirty miles of streets in this city, in my opinion, the citizens have just right to complain on this score :—ln: — In 1863, there was a loan effected by the Provincial Government of half a million. Out of that sum, the city was to get £50,000, which was to be secured on the city rates. The Commissioners received £27,000, leaving a balance of the said loan of £23,000. The interest on the said sum is contributed to by the citizens towards that splendid monument of folly, the railway; and a commissioner at a salary of some hundreds per annum, and, a clerk to help him, and time-keepers at £6 each. I think the ratepayers very lax in not getting a^ por tion of the provincial revenue, as they contribute duties, fees, and licenses to a large amount. But some say, " Wait until we get a Corporation, then we'll get all that is wanted." if I mistake not, the citizens will soon get tired of that also, as they are so fond of change. As the Maoris say, taihoa ; I may see, as I have seen, a former Corporation ; also a City Council. — Tours, &c, Quizzicirs. July 22, 1867.
