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Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 946, 6 July 1877, Page 2

Some time since we called attention to the urgent necessity which existed for the provision, by the City Council, of more gas lamps. The Council itself, about the same period, became impressed with a similar idea, and the matter was referred to the Lighting Committee. Since then —now nearly two months —nothing has been heard of the matter. The city, during the past twelve months, has increased very rapidly. New buildings have sprung up in almost every direction, but there has not been, on the part of the Council, any attempt to keep pace with this increase in population. It is not saying too much to assert that, for a city like Christchurch, the way in which its streets are lighted, outside the small radius of the centre, is a disgrace. During the past few months the residents in the outskirts have had to find their way through mire and water as best they could. The Gas Company have been pushing forward extensions of their mains; but of what use is this, when the Council do not seem inclined to take advantage of it ? Not only is there an absence of lamps in many parts of the city urgently requiring them, but the number in the main streets is ridiculously small. In stating these facts we are only reiterating what has been admitted by the Council itself, and therefore we are at a loss to understand why so important a subject should have been shelved. It must be recollected that increase of population means increase of rates to the Council, and those who pay them have a right to ask that their wants should be attended to where possible. That an increase in the number of our public lamps in the main streets and the erection of others in various parts are necessaries no one will deny, and either the Council or the Lighting Committee are to blame for not having taken steps ere this to have the work done. Probably, however, we have done these gentlemen an injustice. They may have all their arrangements matured, but on the same principle which guides the Works Committee in cutting up the footpaths in winter, they intend to wait until the summer evenings come before carrying their plans into effect. This may be consistent, but we hardly think it will be appreciated by those ratepayers who have to plod their way over ill-lighted and worse formed streets.