The Globe. MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 882, 23 April 1877, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1877.

The frequency of lires, the origin of which are either wholly or in part due to the explosion of kerosene oil, seems to need some steps being taken to avert the evil. This is the more necessary as kerosene is used very largely throughout the city, alike by all classes. Therefore the authorities should take means to ensure to the consumers the greatest possible immunity from danger by insisting that a rigid inspection of the oil should be made. In Melbourne there is an inspector appointed whose duty it is to test all oil coming into the market, with a view of seeing that none is allowed to go into consumption which ignites at a lower temperature than is considered perfectly safe. By this means, unless by downright carelessness, or intention, an explosion is renr’ered far less possible. But what is the case here. Oil of any kind, which for all one knows may be as inflammable and liable to explosion as gunpowder, is brought into the market and retailed without the slightest supervision. When it is recollected that the dealing with _ the oil is generally in the hands of servants or persons but slightly acquainted with its explosive properties, the danger becomes much greater. Wo trust that the authorities will take means at once to appoint an inspector whose duty it shall he to apply to all oil intended for sale, a rigid test.

The Rytepayeks’ Keform Association, after several dress rehearsals, appear this evening in public, for the first time, in a screaming farce. We have no doubt they will have a good house, and will ho received with applause. But it seems very hard upon the legitimate caterers for public amusement, that amateur performers

should not only he allowed to compete against them, by giving a free performance, but get their rent and gas bills paid out of the pockets of the ratepayers. The various parts in the performance have been well cast. We shall have the light comedy, the heavy father, and the walking gentleman, and no doubt each one will go through his part creditably, and with great satisfaction to himself. But, we desire to point out, that the ratepayers have to pay the piper for what is utterly devoid of use. X number of speeches will be made, each man will ride his particular hobby to death and all that will remain as a record will be the bill for the rent of the hall paid by the City Council. No one will object to any number of citizens meeting to discuss anything they think proper, but we cannot see why the citizens should put their hands into their pockets to enable a few orators to deliver themselves of the words of eloquence with which they arc oppressed. We hope the general public will show their appreciation of the thorough farcical nature of the meeting to-night by being conspicuous by their absence and leaving the Hall to that influential and numerous body the Ratepajmrs’ Reform Association. If they do this, there will be no fear that Mr Inspector Buckley will be required to keep order from the thronged state of the hall.

The City Council, in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, has recently published a return of its probable income and expenditure for the next } r ear. The latter exceeds the former by £6849, but the deficiency is more than covered by a Is rate. Indeed after putting their expenses down at a liberal rate, the Council have nearly £2009 to the good. If, therefore, they have estimated all the expenditure they are likely to incur—and judging from the amount we should think they had—they begin with £2OOO more than they want. Under these circumstances we hope that they will now begin to consider whether they cannot do some of those works which have hitherto been regarded by them as luxuries, but by the citizens as necessities. Of these wo may mention the erection of some public lamps, the provision of public street conveniences, and other things. AVe hope the Council will now see their way to the execution of these works which have become matters of necessity.