The Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 272, 23 November 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star. WEDNESDA Y, NOVEMBER 23, 1870.

A subject of a very interesting kind, not only to the residents in Parnell, but to the people in the City, will come up for discussion in the Provincial Council this evening on the motion of Mr. Lusk. The circuitous and difficult means of communication between the populous suburb of Parnell and the centre of business, has long been a subject of complaint; while the beach extending, around by Port Britomart has presented facilities for effecting a communication so easy aijd so-accord-ant with the apparent intentions of nature, that the wonder;,,Lis. the. ground of. complaint, should. have continued so long. ■ J^o doubt difficulties have been in. vthe way? oJrtliis* public work, and the fanciful valueplaced by persons on their rights to" the foresnore, of which, " dog in thei/ nianger'' like, they can make no use., #r ;have de T layed a great public' conTeraeßfie^, It; is evident to any one thatthe. tfalue of ,properl"e'3 abutting on this shore vw*buld: tfe greatly enhanced1! by the opening of a thoroughfare that would connect, not only Parnell but the Grreat &outh Eoad, with Queen=street aiid the^ wharves, and it': is, apity r 'that siich power should be in the. hands of private parties. A gross blunder is frequently committed by Governments in-, the early daya of , settlement in disposing of the rights to the I*6 restore, and the banks of na'-.

vigable rivers ;;and where such rights have been unwisely /conceded, and no valuable interests have been created, it is to be regretted that legislation, which can do anything, does not interpose between the greed of selfishness and the legitimate demands of the public. By whatever means the object contemplated in Mr. Lusk's motion can be com1 passed, even though it should be paying of large compensation, the natural track between the Queenstreet Wharf and the country by the way of Official and Mechanics' Bays, whether for highway or railway, should be in the possession of the public. It is to be hoped that the step taken by the honorable member for Parnell will not be viewed as one of local, but general interest, and that it will be preliminary, to the opening up that track which nature has indicated as the line for thoroughfare between the city and the country.