The Globe. MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1205, 14 January 1878, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1878.

It is with some satisfaction that we notice the probability of a Tramway Company being successfully launched in Christchurch. We have already alluded to the advantages which will be derived from such an undertaking, more especially to the suburban districts, and can only now express a hope that the proposal will be dealt liberally with by the Road Boards and Borough Council. There is one point we should like to bring before the promoters, and that is, respecting the shares. In a project like this it is of the utmost importance for its success to interest as many as possible in it. This end will be accomplished if the shares are fixed at a small value, so that all can, if so inclined, take some. To make the shares costly would narrow the interest felt in the company by the general public very considerably, whereas the end and aim should be, as we have pointed out. to diffuse this as widely as possible. There can be no doubt of this that the establishment of tramways will be, if successfully carried out, a great public convenience, hence we desire to see all things done so as to ensure success. The question of the value of shares will, no doubt, shortly come before the directors, and we hope they will decide upon fixing it at such a figure as to enable all to invest if they desire to do so.

THERE is perhaps no want in connection with our port which has been so keenly felt as that of a dock, or slip, where vessels of a large size could be cleaned or repaired. During the past few years much has been done towards the improvement of Lyttelton harbor. The construction of the breakwater and the dredging operations, which have been carried on under the supervision of the Harbor Board, have gone far towards rendering our port one of the best in the colony. But, without these improvements include a dock, or slip, capable of taking up large vessels, we are placed at a great disadvantage as compared with other ports, such as Wellington or Dunedin. In case of any accident happening to a vessel there is no convenience in Lyttelton for the purpose of repairs, and Wellington or Dunedin would have to be visited before they could be executed. Such a state of things naturally militates against our trade. Owners of vessels are loth to send their ships to a port where no dock or other convenience exists for repairs, &c. They, of course, look with far more favour on a port such as Dunedin, where they have a dock capable of taking in large vessels. The subject of a dock for Lyttelton has been discussed many times, but nothing px*actical has resulted. Deports upon sites have been made by the Provincial Engineer, and the matter has also been considered by the Chamber of Commerce. Still nothing has been done. Our hai-bour works, so far as the breakwaters and wharves are coucei'ued, will shortly be completed. But excellent as they are, aud greatly as they add to the conveniences for discharge and loading of large vessels, they will still be incomplete without a dock. We have, however, far more sanguine hopes of seeing the project brought to a practical conclusion than in former times. We now have a body charged especially with the management and control of the harbor. This is their sole duty; but before the harbor formed, but -one item in a long list of public works under the charge of the Government. Hence it was scarcely to bo expected that the Government would be able to begtow that undivided attention tfep weft jtp

warranted. Now, as we have said, tins in altered, so that wo can look forward to something tangible being brought about. The matter having been referred to a committee, they will be able, from the former reports on the subject, to lay before the Board much valuable information as to the general scope and form the proposed dock shall take. As to the site, this, we should apprehend, will be matter for professional advice ; and here it may be said that the suggestion of the chairman, as to the appointment of an engined', is worthy of adoption. The Board has under consideration very important works for the still further improvement of the harbor, and these, with the likelihood of dock construction being added, seems to point to the necessity of the Board being adyisod by a professional man. We hope, as regards the dock scheme, that the committee will be enabled to bring up such a report as will permit the Board to proceed without delay in the construction of a work which is quite as important and necessary for the improvement of the harbor as those upon which they are at present engaged.