THE GLOBE. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1779, 3 November 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1879.

The vexed question of the South town belt again occupies the attention of tke two Councils of Christehurch and Sydenham with but, so far, little result. In the meantime, the hot weather having set in, tho present state of the belt threatens very rapidly to develops into a nuisance prejudicial to the health of the residents. So far as can be learned from the debate on tho subject, there exists between tho two municipalities a sort of "no man's land," about the welfare of which neither will interest itself. It stands in between the two, uncared for, both sides declining any responsibility in connection with it. The heroic method of cure of this undesirable state of things is contained in the suggestion of the Mayor of Christehurch, namely, that the boundaries of the city should be extended to take in what is now known as Sydenham municipality. Wore this done, the whole matter of the South town belt would of courso bo set at rest for ever, as tho city would then undoubtedly be compelled to undertake the work. But will a less heroic measuro solve the South Town bolt question r 1 So far as can be gathered from tho report of tho conference on Friday night, thero is but little probability of an amicable settlement being arrivoi at ,as the proposition to obtain legislative powers to enablo tho Sydenham Council to tako up the same position as Road Boards, with regard to boundary roads, met with littlo or no favor from tho representatives of that body. This it appears to us is the only alternative if the proposition of the Mayor of Christehurch is rejected. It would solve the difficulty as well as the one for absorption, and perhaps would be more acceptable to tho general body of the

ratepayers. Why there should he any objection to this power being sought for it is hard to see. In the case of Road Boards it is found to work well where the road to bo constructed or improved is on the boundary of two districts. "With respect to the Councils, there is no such difference between their constitution and that of the Road Boards, as would prevent tho same provision with regard to boundaries being carried out with a good result. "Wo trust that during the time for which the conference has been adjourned the members will be enabled to come back prepared to give and take, so that this question may be settled once and for all. Into the merits of the proposition of the Mayor of Christchurch we do not wish at present to enter at length. It is a largo question, and one that requires great consideration. On tho one hand, it does seem somewhat absurd that there should be a chance of constant multiplication of small boroughs in the neighborhood of Christchurch. The expense of small municipal machineries is of course greater, in comparison than one large one, which would include these rising centres of population. Indeed, it may be almost taken for certain that the boundaries of tho Christchurch municipality will ere long be enlarged and absorb the population around. Supposing this were done, there would be no hardship to the residents in tho suburbs, as under the ward system they would have full representation, and their local wants would be equally as well attended to as if they kept up tho expensive machinery of a Borough Council of their own. But, of course, tho question is—Are the suburbs willing and is the time ripe for the process f There is no doubt but that the Sydenham Borough Council has done its work remarkably well and Sydenham is naturally proud of its Council. It would perhaps bo expecting too great a stretch of magnanimity on the part of the residents to part with it. Other quarters, however, exist, and looking at the question broadly it is difficult to see why the powers of the City Council should not be extended North and East with as little delay as possible.