THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1748, 26 September 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1879.

Our contemporary the “ Star” last evening launched forth a thunderbolt—intended no doubt to bo crushing in the extreme —at the devoted head of Councillor Cherrill. The subject was the clock presented by the Premier during the late election, and which one of the councillors most irreverently called a “ white elephant.” Councillor Cherrill has given notice of motion for the rescinding of a resolution passed by the late Council as to the site of the clock, on the ground that the action taken by them was illegal. The strong Mayoral and Premieristic proclivities of our contemporary are well known, and this, of course, was quite sufficient to arouse it to a burst of indignation. About a column is devoted to putting up a series of shadowy objections evolved from the the fertile brain of our friend for the express purpose- of knocking them over triumphantly. With that remarkably keen sight —almost prophetic—which characterises the “ Star,” it professes to see in this very harmless motion of Cr. Cherrill a deadly plot to deprive Sir George Grey of the well-earned kudos of having presented the citizens a clock. Thereupon we are treated to an extract from the Municipal Corporations Act, a panegyric on our present Mayor, and an offer on the part of the “ Star ” of assistance to the Council to extricate them from the serious dilemma in which, according to the article, they are sure to find themselves. It is somewhat to bo regretted that all this should have been totally unnecessary. If our contemporary had taken the trouble before “ feeling ” to use the words of the article —“ bound to give the Council such assistance as wo can, with a view to the elucidation of their true position in the matter,” to have ascertained the true facts of the case, there would have boon no need for the wild frenzy into which the motion referred to has evidently thrown it. To paraphrase the words of the “ Star,” wo feel bound to give it such assistance as wo can, with a view to the elucidation of the true position of the matter. In the first place, the “ Star ” has completely mistaken both the scope and object of Cr. Chorrill’s motion. It does not—as out friend persistently, and in face of language as plain as possible, insists—refer in any way to the gift of the clock by the Premier. That was as legal as it was politic, and is in no way questioned by Or. ChorriH’s motion. But what it does question, and the reason why the Council aro asked to rescind the motion passed already, is the legality of the Cotmcil expending the ratepayers’ money in the erection of a tower on property over which they have no control. Our friend the “ Star ” admits that to do this would bo illegal, but is so blinded by the effulgoney of the Premier and the Mayor that it overlooks the fact that this, and this only, is what is referred to as “illegal” in Mr. Cherrill’s motion. There is no word ©f the illo-

Mayor accepting a clock for the city. Yet tke vvkolo article of tke “ Star” is founded upon this hypothesis, and the foundation being thus removed, it follows that the whole fabric collapses. To use a homely but forcible expression, the “Star” in this instance has discovered a mare’s nest. Perhaps before the “ Star” sets itself up as adviser general to the City Council it will take the trouble to ascertain that the promises upon which it is proceeding are accurate.

It is satisfactory to note that Canterbury is likely to bo represented at the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition wliich takes place in Melbourne in December next. Already we have had on view hero the efforts of some of our youths in this direction, the artistic excellence of which is highly spoken of. Wo hope that this beginning, small though it bo, may act as an incentive to others of our young men to come forward and take part in the movement. Such a piece of work as the one alluded to shows that, as artisans, the youths have not neglected to cultivate artistic tastes, than which they can have no better helper in their future career. The time for sending in exhibits is drawing near, and therefore wo hope that the example set by the Canterbury Foundry employees will bo largely followed by those of other establishments.

From the telegrams of to-day it will bo seen that a salvage corps has boon most successfully started in Wellington. Wo here, in Christchurch, possess a wellorganised and efficient force, both for fire extinction and the preservation of property, but it seems to us, as wo some time ago remarked, that a salvage corps would be a great advantage. Composed as it would bo of men whose daily' avocations familiarise them with the readiest and most effective methods of removing goods, such a corps would indeed bo a valuable adjunct to our Bxigado and Fire Police. It would not encroach on the duties of either, but would take up a position at present vacant, where it could render signal service. We hope to see some stops taken towards the formation of such a corps at no distant date.