The Globe. THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1250, 21 March 1878, Page 2

The Globe. THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1878.

Amongst the many points brought before the Premier during his stay hero by deputations, there is one particularly in which the citizens of Christchurch are interested. Wo refer to the application made by the Mayor on behalf of the city for the handing over to the Municipal Corporation for the time being the charge of the Provincial Council Chamber. Since tho abolition of Provincial institutions became an accomplished fact, the room has lain unused, save at rare intervals by the County Council or Harbor Board. Whilst the citizens of Christchurch, who have in common with other parts of tho district contributed towards the large expense of building this hall, have had to hold their meetings for the discussion of public questions where they could, this room has been lying idle. There can arise no question of jealousy between the country districts and the town on this matter. The residents in the latter could not avail themselves of the hall were it handed over to-morroAv. Therefore, though of course from the expenditure having been made out of the general revenue, they have equal rights with Christchurch, seeing that they cannot exercise them, it would be selfish in the highest degree to oppose our doing so. To the the citizens of Christchurch the acquisition of a building such as this would be of infinite service. The time has now arrived when from its importance and wealth Christchurch should possess somewhat more imposing Municipal buildings than the ones now used for that purpose. It is true that steps have been taken in that direction in the City Council, and it is proposed to expend a sum of money for the purpose. But hore we have a building towards the erection of which the people have already contributed very largely. Why need we then go on to expend more of the ratepayers' money ? The taxes are heavy enough in all conscience now, and with a water-rate looming up, to say nothing of a large drainage rate, the burden of municipal taxation bids fair to be quite heavy enough. Therefore, if we can save some expenditure for municipal buildings, so much the better. And no more suitable building could be found than the Council Chamber itself. Attached to the large room, which might be devoted to the purposes of a Town Hall, are suites of offices in which could be located the various departments of the city. Christchurch would then possess, what it does not now, a place wherein the citizens could meet to discuss the various questions of public interest, without, as now, being obliged, from the presence of some itinerant performer, either to postpone doing so for a time or hold their meeting in the open air. To the Council Chamber the citizens have at least some claim. It has been partly built Avith their money, and therefore they have a right to the use of it. Sir George Grey suggested that it might make a grand free libaary. But Sir George forgot, or perhaps, to make a point, ignored the fact that we already possess an institution of that character, endowed by the people, and open to all who choose to come and participate in its benefits. Therefore a second institution, though it would be grandly lodged, is not required. But municipal buildings are required, and, as we have said, no better or more appropriate site could be found in Christchurch. It is hard to see what reason there can be against this request being granted. The General Government have had possession now for over a year, and yet no use, except that to which we have referred, has been made of the room. They do not appear to want to utilise it themselves: why not let the city have it, to whom it would bo a great boon ? We fail to see a single argument against it being done. As we have said, the country districts cannot —though they have equally with us paid a share of its CO9 t — ina ke use of the room. But while this is so, they surely will not stand in the way of the city, which can make good use of it, being allowed to do so. We trnst, therefore, that the City Council will not allow the matter to rest on the mere promise of the Primer to lay the matter before the Government. ' The value of such a promise is too well known to place any reliance whatever upon. But let them urge the matter on the Government officially, and if need be convene a meeting of citizens to strengthen their hands. By this means there may be some chance of obtaining their desire, but if they rest contented with the mere verbal assurance of Sir George Grey, that he will lay the matter before the Cabinet, then the hope of success will bo but small indeed.

The indignation of tho Star is great. Because his Worship the Mayor and City Council haA-G refused to make themselves ridiculous by officially hoAving doAyn to tho idol which, for tho time, our contemporary has set up, unmeasured abuse is heaped upon their head. Other Premiers have come and gone, but Ave heard nothing of the duty of our municipal representatives, to meet them in state. But because the present head of tho Government A\*as onco a Governor, because his opinions are those Avhich, for tho hour, tho /Star has and because he is Sir Georgw, tho city has, in the eyes of our snobbish i'ntjncl,. disgi'ttttecl itself itt iiot humbly wuit<

ing at the railway station till he arrived, and falling at his feet in slavish adulation. Why should Sir George have been treated differently from former Premier's visiting Christchurch ? His presenco in our midst was due to party reasons. He eaino here to further hio own political ends and of those who are working with him. To do this he is costing the country quite enough. He is making use of the Hinemoa at the public expense, and when travelling by railway is putting the country to the considerable cost of special trains. It is a mere begging of the question to maintain that his tour throughout the colony can be regarded as in the public service. There is a section of tho community —and a veiy large one —who regard his spouting tour as in no sense of the term in the interests of the colony. Sir George and some of his staunch admirers regard his progress through tho country as partaking of the nature of Royalty. But after all ho is but the Premier on a political stump, and as such his Worship very properly regarded him. In his official capacity to havo welcomed Sir George, the Mayor in the opinion of the majority of the ratepayers would have laid himself open to the charge of partisanship. Instead of being blamed for his action, his Worship should have received the thanks of all thoso citizens in whose breasts a love of fair play is implanted. From the blind and unthinking advocate of the " liberal" policy wo expect no such liberality of sentiment. However, his Worship the Mayor and that portion of the City Council who approve of his conduct, can Avell afford to treat the opinions of the Star on this matter with contempt. A journal AA'hich one day calls Sir George Grey "as unsafe a guide as could well be chosen in the length and breadth of the colony," and shortly after refers to him " as tho greatest man in all the attributes in which greatness consists on this side the globe," is not a guide in whose opinions the public will place implicit confidence. Before many weeks are over our young friend, in obedience to Avhat he regards as popular opinion, may havo sAvung completely round once more, and have joined us in our efforts to expose tho chicanery of the Grey party.