The Globe. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1074, 6 December 1877, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1877.

The period for which the Selwyu Comity Council adjourned is jiow drawing to a close. In the earlier stage of its existence it determined upon assuming only the limited powers of tlio Act. It looked very much like as if there was in the Council ft party who, strongly imbued with opposition to any measure springing out of the Abolition of the Provinces, seemed determined, to prevent the Act having a fair trial, N,q doubt they now see the error of their ways, and regrci that their political hatred led them to tala i step which has not been in the bos’ interests of the county. As we hav« said, the time is now fast approaching ,vhon the Council will again meet, 1> hereforc to us appropriate to dis •uss the or otherwise o' ilteriug the decision arrived at regarding dio worliipg of the Jict. lu c*onjc part:. j£ the eUony where the limited powers

only have been in force, the Councils have now determined to give it a fair trial, and so far as the Sehvyn Council is concerned the example thus sot. might he followed with advantage. The action of the Council has had the effect of diverting the large suras accruing to the various Road Boards, Ac., direct, and the result has been that no works of any large or lasting importance have been undertaken. If the Council had consented to act these sums would have been under its control, and some works which could not but benefit, the county as a whole would have boon able to be carried out. As it is the Road Boards have done little or nothing with the money thus distributed. They liaise largo balances at their credit in the Bank in many cases, whilst in others where money has been spent it has been upon works which will not be reproductive for many years. The fact is the Road Boards have had » plethora of money, and works have been done merely to spend some of it. Take for instance a well-known up-country district, where the expenditure as compared with Ihe population has been enormous, and upon roads and works which will not, be of any practical utility for years to come. The same state of tilings exists elsewhere. But had the County Council assumed the powers of the Act. this would not be so. Bach district within the county would have been dealt with on its merits, and we should have had works which would be reproductive and useful. Even now, we take it, there is yet time to retrieve in some degree the error made. Up to the end of the present year the Financial Arrangements Act. 187 ti, remains in force, and so far as we can sec, the County Council would, if it assumes the full powers, have control of the still large sum accruing to the county. On Ist January the new Act comes into force, and if the Council delay until after that date, the share of money coming into their hands will he hut small. Looking at the question from all points, it does seem advisable that the Council should at least discuss the propriety of assuming the full powers. If our reasoning he correct, the county will gain something at all events by it being doue, aud we shall at least have the satisfaction of making use of some of our money before it goes into the general stock. One thing we should like to impress on the members of the County Council, and that is the necessity of prompt action. The time of coming into force of the new Financial Arrangements Act is not far distant, therefore whatever is to he done must he done at once.

Elsewhere we publish an appeal from Mr. Mellish. R.M.. on behalf of the Industrial School. The Resident Magistrate is anxious that the children attend-

ing that useful institution should not be forgotten during the approaching Christmas festivities. He has accordingly undertaken to receive and forward .subscriptions sent to him. aud we feel sure that this fact lias only to bo brought under the notice of the charitably disposed, to ensure a hearty response, and that long before the time arrives Mr. Mellish will find himself in a position to provide a liberal treat, not only to the children at the Industrial School, but also to those in the Orphanage.