To the Editor of the "Norra-Cama Dairy Nar Sim,—In comparing estimates of Municipal Extraordinary Expenditure as published in recent reports, the various items under the heading of " Fire Brigade " call for some explanation. On page 30, Budget 1904, appears the item Sinza Fire Station," portion of cost to be expended daring 1904, Ti. 5,000."—Not seems to have been done, however, although we read on page 151 (Report for 1904) "The Council is recommended to with the contemplated new building as soon s possible."
In the Budget for 1905 the half cost of this station is again included, but the item escapes notice in the report for that year and apparently nothing was done in the matter; reference to the Budget for 1906 only increases the mystery, the item in question having vanished entirely! The Budget for 1907 would. ead us to suppose that rebuilding operations at the Victoria Station would be commenced, and the belief was strengthened by the completion last year of the concrete bunding where the site fronts the Soochow Creek. Fond hope! for the same ramshackle collection of dilapidated one-storey buildings still occupies this valuable site, for all to -|admire when passing over the Chapoo Road Bridge. Referring to this year's Budget for farther light on the subject {we find the old chestnut of - 1904 Station, half cost Tls.
Now it is common knowledge that plans and estimates wore last, year submitted to the Council for the entire rebuilding of the Victoria Fire Station and. that such plans bad the fall approval of the Fire Commission. Is the Public Works Department asleep, then, that nothing. whatever has been done, or is it that our City fathers have lopeed in their duty in allowing 0 Aitbogh approved bythe Hatepeyen tod joeladad io the Bedget?
agh appro ere
A little information at the coming meeting of Ratepayers may satisfy "Cuntovs."
Shanghai, March 13.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.