The Mercury has been a sounding post for many and varied viewpoints since 1843 and throughout its history space has been devoted to letters and opinions from readers.
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Pollution to politics, roads to rallies, comments and concerns are all published in the Mercury.
Back in 1865 one of the most distressing issues facing Maitland residents was dust in our streets.
Published under that heading in the Mercury, January 8, 1865 was a humorous letter with a serious subject from John Gilpin to the editors of the time.
Mr Gilpin wrote:
“Do not be alarmed on receiving this letter which happens to be on a very dry subject.
“I am not going to allude to the state of the weather, or give an elaborate account of a gigantic pumpkin, as well as a fine crop of ‘taturs that may be seen in old Muggins’ garden.
“I have to draw your attention to the very dusty state of our highways.
“Having been a resident of East Maitland nearly three months, I was quite astounded at the quantity of dust raised by the wind both in East Maitland and West Maitland but more particularly on the road midway between the two Maitlands.
“For many years past I have been almost buried alive in the bush but it is rather hard lines to be nearly smothered in dust when walking on the roads of such an old settled town as Maitland.
“I assure you that there is more choking than joking in the matter.
“An old English gentleman, long since departed, gave me the following advice – shut your mouth and keep your eyes open.
“But the dust causes one’s eyes as well as one’s mouth to be kept shut, the result I have occasionally to make a full stop.
“Now the question is Mr Editor, what is the best to be done to allay the nuisance?
“I was thinking of attending a musical meeting and kick up a bit of dust, but that would make things worse.
“Perhaps the most practical course to pursue might be to throw cold water on the election of the present Mayor and Aldermen, should they again seek admission to office for the ensuing year.
“But I have hit upon a happier plan which will be explained further on. I have been informed that the Victoria Bridge, spanning Wallis Creek, was built for the express purpose of connecting the two Maitlands.
“The dust is powerful enough to prevent the East Maitlanders from shopping at the west, who will eventually have to make Morpeth their chief emporium, though there is such a nice bridge spanning Wallis Creek.
“I have not had the honour of an introduction to our worthy mayor, but I trust he will not be annoyed should he happen to pursue this letter containing the advice of such a humble individual, and cause treble the quantity of water to be used in laying the dust in the streets, instead of the small quantity hitherto applied.
“Perhaps his worship is a total abstainer, if so, he cannot object to the cold water cure, and I am sure the Blue Ribbon fraternity will pardon him should he allow the streets a drop too much.
“His motto ought to be down with the dust, as Lord Anson said to the Spanish Admiral.
“I can safely predict if his worship be good enough to follow my advice he will see more clearly what pertains to his high office but in the meantime the dust must be allowed to affect his eyesight.
“I am confident his worship will do his best to make the residents of East and West Maitland
comfortable (though no right to vote) I will promise him all my support and by a little well applied blarney to those who will swallow it, get him re-elected mayor with an overwhelming majority.”
