The Globe. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1876.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 523, 21 February 1876, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1876.

The action of the Drainage Board in securing the services of a gentleman so high in his profession as Mr. Carruthers for their Consulting Engineer, will, we are sure, receive the cordial approval of the ratepayers. In fact, we may consider ourselves fortunate in being able to have the advice and assistance of so talented an officer on the all-important question of the drainage of the city. The Board have also made other appointments, notably that of Resident Engineer, and we believe that gentleman has already entered upon the duties of his office. We hopfc that, this being the case, the Board will at once take measures, by the construction of temporary works to relieve those parts of the suburbs, more especially Phillipstown and the eastern part ,o t f the city, from the threatened repetition this coming winter of the floods which last year did so much damage. This district has been most unfortunate as regards its drainage. Situated in a kind of no man’s land, it has been left to the mercy of the rains and storm water, and the has been that the inha-

bilants have been unable in the winter season to leave their houses. Now that the Board have a gentleman as Resident Engineer, no time should be lost in providing at least a temporary scheme for relieving them from the possibility of this occurring again. The north-east portion also requires attention at the hands oi the Board, viz., the low lying district by the railway and gas works. In the last session of the Provincial Council a vote was taken by the Government for a drain along the railway line, which would take the surplus water from this part of the city, but though repeated representations have been made to them by the Board as to the necessity of this work being carried out, nothing has been done. By the neglect to do this not only is the health of the residents likely to suffer, but the line is not by any means free from danger of being seriously damaged by the accumulation of storm water. In view of the loss likely to accrue to the public, the Government certainly should take some steps to carry out the work. It is hard to see any reason for delay ; the money has been voted, and nothing remains but to expend it, therefore the Government have no excuse. Though at the time of its first proposition the Drainage Board incurred some odium, the practical manner in which 'they have set about their work, and the careful way in which all their acts have been carried out in view of the interests of the ratepayers, entitle them to the best confidence and support of their constituents.