The Globe. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 1878.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1418, 31 August 1878, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 1878.

The formal opening’ of through communication between the two chief cities of the colony marks a most important era in our history. This is to some extent recognised by the fact that the representative of Her Majesty, and the collective wisdom of the colony as embodied in honorable both Houses, take part in the opening ceremony. We have no objection to this at all, indeed it is only right that on such an important occasion every care should ho taken to give all possible eclat to it. But what wo wish to point out is this, that the public—the loug-sntferiug public whose contributions to the revenue go towards the cost of this Avork —are practically excluded from taking part in the proceedings of the day. The opening of a line such as the Dunedin and Christchurch one, is matter for general public rejoicing as it affects everyone. It is not like the opening of the small sections which have hitherto taken place. They were but preliminary to the great event, and this is the consummation of the work. Though every mile of the line opened is cause for congratulation on the part of those who have the welfare of the colony at heart, still there could not to ho expected to ho such a Avidespread interest taken as in the OA'out of next AA’cok. Therefore, avc contend an opportunity should haA’o been afforded to the public in general of making the day of opening one upon Avhich all could join in the rejoicing. It may ho urged that the representatives of the people—the chosen ones of the constituencies —Avill ho present. But though in some cases this Avould suffice, on such an occasion as the ouo referred to the groat body of the public themselves should ho allowed an opportunity of taking part in the ceremonies. Of course there are difficulties in the way of this being done, hut still they might have been got oa t cx’. So far as avc see it might Imve been possible to have run a cheap excursion train to Dunedin on the opening day, thus enabling the public, it they chose, to make the trip, Without causing any undue strain upon the resources of the department, this might have been done, and there could then haA'O been no room to speak of exclusiveness, Ac. By fixing the return faro at a moderate figure,_ a very great crush Avould bo avoided, Avhilo at the same time a chance Avoidd bo given to those avlio desired it of taking part in the important ceremony of the day. ibis Avas done on iho occasion of the opening of the Oamaru section, and the public Avero perfectly satisfied to pay a reasonable faro. The only valid objection we can see to tlio same course being pursued on Friday next is the scarcity of carriages. But surely enough spare carriages might bo collected, from the A’arious sections, to make up a train ; and if a little inconvenience Avero experienced, it AA’ould be cheerfully borne under the circumstances. There is a A r ery general feeling that the public should be enabled in some Avay to participate in the opening ceremonies, and perhaps it may not even iioav bo too late for the railway authorities to arrange for an excursion train to Dunedin, on Friday, at reduced fares on the ordinary rates.

It is very difficult to understuud the reasons gi\'cu by tbo majority of tbo City Council Avbo voted for the suspension of iho AA’ork on iho road betAveeu the "Victoria arid Colombo bridge, for so doing. The road in question ay as approved by the Council years ago, and tho plan signed by the Mayor of the day

in token thereof. If, therefore, the necessity for the work was apparent then, how much more so must it ho now with our increased population. Besides, the Council have spent a largo sum of money already upon this road, and the levelling of the piece of land through which it passcss. No opposition appears to have hecn made to this being done, or if there were it appears to have been ineffectual, as the road has been formed. But when only a very small sum is required to complete the work and afford the public a great convenience, then a majority of the Council stop the work. Anyone who knows the locality will see at a glance that the projected road will save a great deal of time to tradesmen and others. It will provide a short and direct route for the residents in Manchester street and oast of Manchester street bridge to the Papanui road, and it will do the same for the very largo large district north of Colombo street. That it Avill be a public convenience is wo think proved by the very largely signed petition in favour of it, and the arguments used by those opposed to it do not in our opinion touch the question. It is contended that the Market-place may bo required for Municipal buildings. Yery probably it will, should the amendment asked for by the City Council in the Municipal Reserves Bill pass. But the fact of the road existing will not interfere in any with the Municipal buildings being erected. On the contrary it will bo an improvement and convenience to have another frontage to a public street. There is no weight therefore in this argument. Another point taken is that until the Corporation know whether they are to have the power they want over the land, it would bo unwise to make the road. This argument when it comes to bo looked into is equally as fallacious as the one just referred to. Even supposing the Council do not get the power they want, and the laud is strictly reserved for Municipal purposes, the existence of the road will not at all interfere. It can be used just the same. On the other hand, if they obtain power to lease as building sites, the possession of an additional frontage will add value to the laud. These are the arguments used against the proposal. On the other side wo have a unanimously signed petition, and the testimony of persons who should know, as to the largo saving to the public, in the matter of time and distance, which will bo effected by this road. Money has already been spent, and surely it could not prejudice the Council one iota to expend the small sum necessary to finish the work.