The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, MAY 6.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 502, 6 May 1881, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, MAY 6.

On next Tuesday evening the Borough Council will have to consider O Chamberlain's motion, affirming the advisableness of lighting a certain number of lamps along the breastwork during the winter months. It would be well for councillors to consider this matter in all its bearings before giving a decision thereupon.' There are three ways in which this question of lighting may be looked at It may be considered advisable to light the whole town. The arguments in favor of this course are obvious. The comfort of persons whom business or pleasure calls to be about after nightfall is thereby enhanced. The objections to it are also patent. It absorbs too large a share of a limited income. A rate of Is in the pound is estimated to produce £255. Of this very nearly, if not quite, £100 will be absorbed by the expenditure necessary to light the whole town. That this is a somewhat inordinate proportion may certainly be maintained with a great phow of reason Then there is the plan which has been pursued of late, of leaving benighted travellers to find their way about in the dark, or provide their own means of lightening t-:e darkness. The objections to this plan are to be found in growls more or less wellfounded of discomfort experienced by benighted pedestrians. For its advantages ifc is only necessary to look at tb.3 Council's Bank account. Since the

lighting, has been dispensed with the overdraft has gradually disappeared, and tit present a fair credit balance is in hand, available towards some of the many necessary works which are only awaiting the necessary funds to necessitate their being proceeded with.

The proposal about to be brought before tlip Council on Tivsday partakes of the nature of a compromise, and, like most compromises, will probftbly fail to satisfy cither the lampists or anti--1 nipists. In its favor it may bo urged that the part where it is proposed to light the lumps is that portion of the town where the greatest inconvenience, or even danger, has been experienced. Further, that the expense will be comparatively sneaking trifling. Against it there is the fact that it is only a partial measure ; that other parts of the town are as much entitled to lamps as this one ; and again, it is not certain that this partial lighting may not lead to greater inconvenience than ever. At present, if a man has to go out on a very dark night, he will most likely provide himself with a lantern. Trusting to these few lamps, he would probably neglect to do so, and after getting out. of their range, the darkness would seem more profound than ever.

There is no doubt that lighting is a luxury, and is a fair subject, if desired, for a special rate. While such acknowledged necessary works ns Balguerie street remain unexecuted for want of funds, we consider very strong consideration indeed ought to be necessary to induce tie Council to plunge into any expenditure for a mere luxury. No movement has taken place amoug the burgesses showing that any strong feeling exists on the subject. We consider therefore that the council would be perfectly safe in allowing the affair to remain in etatu quo until an expression of opinion has been evoked outside.

Meanwhile let the advocates for a change seek such expression of opinion from the burgesses by means of a public meeting. The question to be decid'd his a twofold aspect, viz.—First. Is it desirable to light the streets? and secondly, should the necessary funds be taken from what would otherwise be available for the formation of the greets, or should a speci.il rate be imposed for the purpose ? Meanwhile, we think, that ns we have done so long without lamps it would be no harm to wait a little longer and have the question discussed in all its bearings.