The Globe. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1876.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 660, 1 August 1876, Page 2

The Globe. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1876.

We are glad to find that the CityCouncil have at last awoke to the fact that something must be done to remedy the present disgraceful state of the streets. The means which have been adopted to get over the difficulty are certainly characterised by a simplicity and homeliness perfectly charming. They have found that the chief cause of complaint is that the pathways cut up by the work of channelling are left in an unfinished state, and as this channelling is being performed more quickly than the earthwork, the City Council in their wisdom have resolved to Btop the former until such time as the formation of the footpaths has overtaken the work. This is disappointing. After reading the elaborate, and evidently carefully prepared statement on the subject by his Worship the Mayor, we expected something better than this lame and important conclusion. The Council may have some very good reason only known to themselves for the course they have taken, but we are at a loss to understand why, if the formation of the pathways is not proceeding fast enough, more men cannot be employed. It will cost no more. If the present staff of men is not enough, let it be increased, and when the work is done let their services be dispensed with. If so many miles of footpaths have to be formed, it will cost the city no more to have the work done in a week than to extend it over four or five. If there ia any difference at all, by taking the course we propose, there should be a saving; for labor is always more plentiful, and therefore cheaper, in winter than in spring. We do not ask the Council to do impossibilities—to undertake work which will cost thousands with only hundreds at their disposal, but we have a right to expect that the small sum at their command shall be wisely and prudently expended. They knew months ago how many miles of channelling were to be undertaken during this year, and the length of footpaths which consequently would have to be formed, and arrangements should have been made accordingly. Had such been done, fewer grievances would have been aired in print. It is not our intention to discuss the facts and figures placed before the Council by the Mayor yesterday afternoon. Of course it would be very nice to have our main thoroughfares paved as suggested, and all our footpaths properly asphalted. But we have not got £70,000 to do it with. We can assure his Worship that we will be content with something very much less. If a little more energy and business capacity were shown in carrying out those works which have been undertaken, the present dissatisfaction would to a great extent disappear. But unless this is done the ratepayers are not likely to be misled by the false issue placed before them in the elaborate statement made by his Worship on the subject.