The Globe. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1879.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1560, 18 February 1879, Page 2

The Globe. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1879.

So far as can ho gathered from tho information published elsewhere, the water supply committee appear to be desirous of extending their operations somewhat beyond what was first proposed. The original proposal was that Christchurch should be furnished with what experience has shown was greatly needed, namely, a supply of water for fire extinction purposes. A house service was, it is true, spoken of, but it was looked upon rather as a luxury, whilst tho water for the extinction of fire was a necessity and an urgent one. But, since then, the views of the gentlemen composing the water supply committee have marvellously extended. Now we are told not only do they desire to furnish tho city with a supply for fire and domestic purposes, but they wish also to utilise it for tho purposes of commerce. This is a very laudable ambition, and will meet with very general support no doubt. But in forming those magnificent projects—on paper—tho committee appear to forget that, up to tho present date, they have really nothing to show for over a year’s work. We have, it is true, a few trial borings, but as to whether the plan now laid before the public of obtaining water from the Waimakariri, is likely to prove successful or not, we have no positive evidence. And yet the committee are launching out into elaborate schemes, including much beyond the original proposal. Let the committee content themselves with actually bringing practically before the citizens the fact that water can be brought to Christchurch, and then let tho various developments of the system follow. We would point out to these gmt lemon, who are no doubt fired by a laudable ambition, engendered by their recent Southern trip, that they have, as far as they have gone, by no moans solved the problem they have undertaken to unravel. They are just as ignorant regarding the feasibility of convoying water from the Waimakariri to-day as they were months ago. It does, therefore, seem somewhat absurd to begin to talk about supplying Christchurch for manufacturing purposes, before we have ascertained that we shall have sufficient to render the labours of our Fire Brigade efficient. We want to have something more tangible than the opinion of the members of the Water Supply Committee or Mr. White as to this matter. So far as the former gentlemen are concerned, we still hold to the opinion that it was a great mistake over to place the matter in their hands. They may be, and doubtless are, very good men in their respective spheres, but to entrust a purely technical and professional matter almost entirely to a body such as the one alluded to, could only result, as it has done, in the waste of valuable time to no purpose whatsoever. Mr. White it is true has practical knowledge of many kinds, but we cannot regard him as supplying the want of an engineering Board. Over and over again we have urged what will yet have to bo done —namely, the employment of such a Board to report upon, the matter. It would have been tho most expeditious and economical in the end, besides it would have afforded us a guarantee that the supply, when obtained, would be sufficient for our wants. The committee, after having wasted over a year, will infallibly find themselves forced to consult professional men. This is, without doubt, the proper course for them to pursue, late in the day though it bo and we hope that there will bo no further delay in doing so. Lot the committee ensure us a good supply of water for fire extinction purposes, and the domestic and manufacturing services will follow in duo course. But, if they persist in allowing their ideas to wander off in this manner, we shall find ourselves at the end of another year in precisely the same position that we are now—namely, in possession of a quantity of theories, without having made one practical step in advance.

The citizens will do well to remember the fact that in September next there will be a general election for the City Council. This is due to the fact that the ward system will then take the place of that now in force. Wo trust that an effort will be made on that occasion to redeem the character of our municipal body. The experiment of voting at times on happy-go-lucky and goodnatured grounds has not answered. Business has been impeded, and scones have occurred which are not by any means likely to raise the Christchurch City Council in the estimation of kindred bodies. It is time that the citizens took a little more interest, or, lot us say, more pride in their municipal institutions. The want of such pride is the real secret of the present state of affairs. We, however, look forward with hope to a change in September next. It will now be for

the residents in each ward of the city to select a representative, or representatives, who will not only look after their interests, but will also bo a credit to the city as a whole. It is quite time that we shook off all apathy in these matters. If the citizens bestir themselves there will bo no lack of suitable candidates, and a seat in the City Council, instead of being, as it is now, a somewhat questionable honour, will bo looked forward to as the reward of laudable ambition.