THE ROAD ACROSS THE OCTAGON.

Evening Star, Issue 2807, 15 February 1872, Page 2

THE ROAD ACROSS THE OCTAGON.

This afternoon a number of gentlemen had an interview with his Honor the Superintendent, to confer with him respecting the road now in progress across the Octagon. They were—'l he Hon. Captain Fraser, M.L.C.; Messrs Main, D. Miller, D. Ross, Charles Smith, Stout, and Wilson. They were ntroduced by Mr J. Bathgate, M.P.C., who said he had been requested to introduce a deputation of citizens, who wished to confer with his Honor respecting certain works in progress in the City. They would explain their own views, Mr Charles Smith said he had taken an opportunity of consulting a great number of citizens on the advisability of constructing the road now in progress across the Octagon. Many were strongly opposed to its being diverted from the purpose for which it was originally reserved, but he was bound to confess a larger number approved of the work, although they disapproved of the action taken by the City Council in the matter. It appeared from the document he had in his hand that the Octagon reserve was vested in his Honor, and was not amongst those placed under the control of the Corporation. It was plain it must be managed in terms of the original grant. In that it was distinctly marked out for a public garden, and if diverted to any other purpose it would have been more satisfactory that proper means should be taken. Their object was therefore to ask his Honor to look into the matter. The Hon. Capt. Fraser said about twelve years ago, when Judge Richmond was Colonial Secretary, there was an attempt made of a similar kind. He remonstrated with Captain Cargill, and the work was immediately stopped. Mr D. Miller drew attention to the attempt made years ago to appropriate the gponud for the construction of a church upon it by members of the Church of England. It was objected to, and the fence erected was taken down. His Honor sent for the Crown grant, which being examined was found to specify that the reserve was made for forming a garden, and that it was not included in those under the control of the Corporation. Mr Stout said he attended mainly on the ground that it was a dangerous precedent for a public body to follow, to set aside the purposes .qf a Crown grant already made. He did not doubt ‘ the 5 rgad would benefit the City ; but it was not for a public body to set aside a grant already made. The Superintendent : It is necessary to go back to the Legislature to sanction the alteration.

Mr Stout : As a citizen 1 should vote for the road being made, but I should object to the City Council making ducks and drakes of a reserve.

Mr D. Ross had bought property in the Octagon, on the ground that the main road would be continued in the present line. He had not earlier opposed cutting the new road because he knew nothing could be legally done without his Honor’s sanction. I*> o opportunity frad been given to owners of property to express ap opinion. He considered by. the road being taken in a»oth§r direction his property would be deteriorated in value, and, in common with other owners of property in the Octagon be would be entitled to compensation. He and others had never been consulted, and had had no opportunity of expressing his dissent. His Honor said he would consult the Provincial Solicitor and other authorities on the subject. In olden time the citizens had grand visions ot nice fences, fountains, trees, and flowers in the Octagon, which had not yet been realised. Mr Ross distinctly said he should not have invested money there unless there had been a reserve, but a road running right through the centre of it was making many condors useless altogether. Mr W}r,SjON sajd be was rather disapEoiuted in the object of the conference, for c was altogether opposed to it. He considered the road across the Octagon as the liuest thing that had been done up to the present time in the City. He should object to Stewart street being carried across, but he thought the present work a great advantage. His Hon r said it was very clear that an illegal act had been done, and that the authority of the law should have been obtained. Until now he was under the impression that the Corporation had the control of the reserve, but the matter should have immediate attention.

After thanking his Honor the interview was brought to a close.