The Globe. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1876.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 700, 16 September 1876, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1876.

Unsatisfactory as was the manner in which ratepayers were brought face to face with the civic authorities at the Drill Shed last Wednesday, yet some good has resulted from the interview. Half digested and crude ideas were touched upon and thrown out for further argument. One of great importance indeed, was commented upon by almost every candidate for municipal honors. We refer to the asphalting of the footpaths within the city boundaries. The question was prominently mentioned by the Mayor in his last official report, when his Worship—while taking a definite view of the exigencies of the work*—expressed as his individual opinion, that the Corporation was much too poor just now to dream of undertaking it. The cost of asphalting the full width of the pavements, was set down by Mr Hobbs at £70,000, to raise which sum, he calculated, would require the levying of a shilling rate. His Worship thought that it was quite out of the question to attempt saddling the ratepayers with such an enormous addition to the current taxes already borne by them. Of course, we agree with him that local taxation has now assumed proportions of an extreme character. The changes from Provincialism to a central mode of colonial G-overnment besides, do not appear to be likely to lighten the pressure already existing upon citizens' pockets j at least we have the Mayor's word for that; which opinion, by-the-bye, was freely quoted in the House of Eepresentatives last month, by speakers on the separation or semiprovincialist side. But notwithstanding this state of so-called impecuniosity, which would make it appear that the municipal coffers are not in a flourishing way, we fancy that this question of asphalting, next to the drainage one, is of considerable moment indeed, and deserves serious consideration. One of the newlyelected Councillors, Mr. Nathan, made some very pertinent and appropriate remarks on the point, and other candidates followed suit. Mr. Nathan truly said that the state of the footpaths was so execrable, that, opposed as he was on general principles to increased taxation, he would be prepared to support the levying of additional rates towards placing them in a proper condition. We are quite at one with him in thinking that the time has now arrived when footpaths should be asphalted, and that it has become an absolute necessity to replace the ever recurring process of shingling them,

with something permanent and leas offensive to pedestrians. To find month after month coarse gravel and shingle selected as the coating of the sideways of some of the principal thoroughfares, says little in favor of the so-called improvements of the city. The concrete channelling initiated during the reign of King Hobbs, will always be remembered as one of the most useful works undertaken by the administration of which he has been, and is the able and energetic chief. The public have fully appreciated the usefulness of the new channels; but let the work thus commenced be completed. One of the greatest eye-sores (and foot-sores, indeed, for the matter of that!) is the state of the pavements in the main streets. The discomfort is great enough, but the expenditure of shoe leather caused by the Lilliputian boulder stones with which the footpaths are covered, iB no trifling matter indeed. And verily we can scarcely help creditating the statement made by one of our " imps," that the boot and shoe fraternity put forward one of their number at the last election with the especial view of deluging the town with more shingle and coarser gravel. Now, as to the expense of this asphalting, considering the manifold advantages which would accrue, can it be said that even a special rate —burthensome as at first sight it appears,—would not be productive of permanent benefits ? Once done the work would last for many years to come. And as Mr. Nathan puts it, it must be recollected that property has its duties as well as its rights, an d as such work would increase theyalue of property, property should contribute to its cost. It is, however, for those who have in their hands the interests of the ratepayers, and whose duty it is to balance the pounds, shillings, and pence which come and go, to raise funds necessary for the purpose indicated, by special loan, instead of direct taxation, if they be so inclined. But let the means be what they may, it is indeed high time that one of the most discreditable sights of our city, the footpaths of its leading thoroughfares, should be placed in a state such as public requirements and common sense dictate.

It was at one time the proud boast of New Zealand, fcnat Lcr affairs were always conducted with a dignity which contrasted favourably with the Parliamentary proceedings of some of the other Australian colonies ; but during the last two sessions, we have done much to lose that reputation. Till Sir George G-rey and his followers were returned to Parliament, the debates were always characterised by the most punctilious regard for the honor of the House; but since then unfounded abuse and vulgar personalities have too often been witnessed there. In almost every case the provincialists were the guilty parties. Conscious that their cause was a hopeless one, they have during the present session especially, been eagerly clutching at every decayed twig which presented itself, in the vain hope of prolonging their existence. But all other means having failed them, they have now been obliged to fall back upon the only resource of which they are really masters. Beaten at the last elections, beaten in the House in every argument they have raised, their only resort is brute force. Of this, they possess, it appears, an unlimited supply. Loud of voice and foul of mouth, their leading orator has been addressing himself to the House during the last two days, with the avowed object of delay. Time and public money are being disgracefully squandered for an utterly useless purpose. The provincialists in the House are in a hopeless minority, which is dwindling every day. We hope our provincialist friends are proud of the spectacle. The old saying that adversity makes us acquainted with strange bedfellows, was never more truly exemplified than on the present occasion; and we can well believe that our respected Superintendent must find the association exceedingly enjoyable. ¥or ourselves, we deeply regret the spectacle. Provincialism is associated in the minds of the people of New Zealand with much of her national life and progress. Under it she has grown into a great and powerful colony ; but this very advancement hastened the decay of provincialism, and rendered its abolition absolutely necessary. It is therefore a melancholy sight to see the advocates, of what was once an ancient and honorable cause, doing everything in their power to make its very name stink in the nostrils of the people.

The Press Agency telegraphs as follows : "Mr Bees spoke till one this morning, Mr Thomson till six, when the Speaker left the chair, Mr O'Borke took it at ten, and Mr Thomson is continuing his discourse on things in general. At about 10.30, in his usual 'happy strain, he was quoting from Burns, " A man's a man for a' thaV't