THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1881. THE SCAVENGERING DIFFICULTY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2235, 27 April 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1881. THE SCAVENGERING DIFFICULTY.

It is, wo think, greatly to ho deplored that the City Council should so long have delayed dealing with the question of the scaveugering of the city. For some time past it has been obvious, not only that the ratepayers have had to pay considerably for the work, but that it has boon very inefficiently performed, and even more than this, to the annoyance of tho citizens. In an article on this subject, some time back, wo urged upon tho Councillors what tho snh-committe now recommended, namely, that the work should be performed by tho employees of tho Council, instead of letting it by contract. No one, looking to tho outlay required for plant, &c, would take tho work under less than a three years’ contract, which practically removes all control of it out of tho hands of the citizens, through the Council, for that period. Thus wo have been unable to obtain what was so very necessary, a later hour of commencing work than 11 p.m., a period when, generally speaking, the streets are pretty full of people returning from the theatre, &c. Now the plan proposed by the subcommittee not only gives the citizens the power of dealing with these matters, but also effects a saving both individually and to the general body of ratepayers. Thus we can get a more efficient system for less money. The proposal to vary the cost with the rental by tho striking of a small special rate must at once commend itself to the ratepayers, because while it does not press hardly on the smaller holdings it equalises the amount to ho raised between them and those better able to afford it. There is this to be considered, that every year the amount necessary to be raised by rate will decrease as the system of drainage is extended, so that in a few years we may look forward to the entire abolition of tho present system. However, while we have to deal with it, we must consider the cheapest and, at the same time, most effectual method of doing it. We think that tho sub-committe are entitled to very great praise for their comprehensive report, and it is to be hoped that when tho time comes for tho appeal to be made to the ratepayers for the requisite power to strike the special rate, there will bo no factious opposition manifested.

THE SOUTH BELT. This troublesome question has again advanced a step or so in the matter of a conference between the two Councils interested. Judging from the tone of the Sydenham Council, there is at last some hope that the work will at once be put in hand before the weather gets too bad. The only difficulty now appears to bo want of funds. The Sydenham Council are willing to do as much of the channelling as they can afford, but so far as we can gather, this does not include the whole of the work. Whether part of it can be done, so as to afford relief during the coming winter, is a question which the surveyors of the Councils will no doubt bo able to answer. If not then, perhaps the City Council might lend a helping hand, and do that portion of the work which would remain at the cost of the Sydenham Council. It must bo remembered that this is not a purely local question. Christchurch is as much interested in the formation of the belt as Sydenham for sanitary as well as other reasons, and therefore if there is any chance of another winter going by without this being done, merely because the Sydenham Council, though willing, cannot carry out the work just at once, the City Council ought, we think, if possible, to help them. We trust, therefore, that some steps will at once be taken to finish up this work ere it is too late.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Slowly but surely the number of our local industries is increasing. The latest additions to those already established are the manufacture of dextrine from potatoes and pulp for paper making. Both of these industries if successfully floated would be of great service here. While, however, rejoicing at the opening up of new fields for the employment of capital and labor, we should like also to call attention to one most important industry which could be largely engaged in hero, but which does not seem to meet with that encouragement it deserves. Wo allude to the making of jam. Anyone who takes the trouble to calculate the enormous amount of this product exported from Tasmania will see how large and productive an industry might be established here. We have a climate equal to any for fruit producing. All the kinds necessary for jam making grow here luxuriantly, and yet we are content to allow other parts of the colonies to send us that which we could produce as cheaply and as good. The industry is not like many others, requiring costly machinery or plant, and yet the returns from it might be made as large as those which require extensive premises and a quantity of machinery. Not only is there a large market on the spot, but wo feel sure that if a good article were produced there would spring np in the other parts of New Zealand a large demand for it. Let ns hope that the Local Industries Association which has already done such good work will not lose sight of this, but will endeavour to bring the project of a Canterbury jam making company to a successful issue.