THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1687, 17 July 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1879.

"We Lad hoped that the Lighting Committee in their report to the Counc"' would have been prepared to recommend either the adoption o£ the proposal of the Gas Company for the extension of the hours of lighting the streets, or of some other proposal. It was, perhaps, weak to suppose that tho Committee would deal with the matter in any other hut in the circumlocution mannor which seems the particular role of the present Council. Bearing in m jnd, however, tho importance of tho subject, it was not too much to expect that it would he dealt with practically. But what was the result ? The Committee say they have considered tho whole matter of the extension very carefully, and have arrived at the conclusion that it will bo necessary to arrange the contract with tho Gas Company on a more satisfactory and economical basis. This may be true enough, but it was not not tho question that was remitted for the consideration of the select committee. "What they were required to docidejupon vvas, we i&kp it t whether {jig time of lighting the streets at so much per lamp was one which the city could accept, and if so, upon what basis the arrangement should bo made. The head of the police department here has ui'ged upon tho citizens tho necessity which exists, in the interests of the prevention of crime, for the lamps remaining lighted longer than at present, and a direct reference to tho lighting committee of the offer of the Gas Company was mado. But, beyond stating that they have considered tho subject, the committee do not vouchsafe one word to the Council as to the acceptance or rejection of tho offer. It is extremely probable that the whole subject of tho general contract with the Gas Company requires reconsideration. We are not prepared to say that it does or that it does not. But this was not the special matter referred to the committee for their report. Upon what they should have reported they are completely silent, and the probability is that tho samo antiquated and utterly obsolete stylo of putting street lamps out when they are most usoful will be continued for an indefinite period. Wo are at a loss to understand how tho committee could have overlooked the especial subject remitted to them, and cannot see why no member of tho Council has felt it his duty to call attention to their failure in carrying out tho instructions given to them. Probably tho Council will awake, after a few moro meetings, to the fact that the consideration of this very important subject has been shelved to tho great inconvenience of tho public. We hope that, even now, though at the eleventh hour, some member of the Council will again bring tho matter up, so that tho Christcliurch citizens may, as soon as possible, enjoy tho advantages they are entitled to in tho matter of the proper lighting of their streets.

"What is to be done with, tlio old Post Office building ? This is tho question which is being asked as tho Post Office officials are now comfortably housed in their new abode. Somo short time back wo suggested the utilization of the building as temporary Corporation buildings. It is far and away a mere commodious place for the purpose than the shell now occupied by tho city officials. As it is probable that tho erection of the permanent Town Hall will not be complete for twelvo months at least, it may be as well to consider if tho old Post Offico could not be used for the purpose suggested. "Wo again throw out tho idea for the consideration of that energetic body—the "Works Committee. Wo hope that, at all events, they may see their way to utilise tho building, which, unless it is sold as a relic, might as well be put to somo practical use.

If there is one institution in the colony in which the people should have implicit faith, and to wlnch thoy should look up with reverence, it is the Legislative Council. But that faith and that reverence has been rudely shakon by a telegram appearing in the papers of this morning. We hardly know how to approach so delicate and at the same time so painful a sub-

ject. Had the accusation been made against the Lower Chamber the effect would aot have beon so harrowing, but that any of tho creme tie la creme of our Legislators should ever leave Wellington without settling their " grog

score " at Bellamy's is almost past belief. Bnt we have it mentioned publicly by Mr. Waterhouso and telegraphed throughout the colony. "We are therefore reluctantly compelled to believe that it is absolutely true. O tempora ! O mores ! We trust that tho recalcitrant Lords will feel their consciences pricked by this public expose, and will at once settle up their little bills and eschew the immoral but seductive system of credit.