THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1881. THE PAPANUI DRAINAGE QUESTION.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2243, 6 May 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1881. THE PAPANUI DRAINAGE QUESTION.

Despite tho fact that soveral deaths have occurred in Papanui, directly traceable to tho non-existence of drainage, tho Avon Road Board seem to bo still unmindful of their responsibilities. So far as wo can see, no steps have been takon to remedy the state of things called attention to time after time by the medical Officer of Hoalth, and made still more sadly impressive by tho loss of life. This wo gather from the fact that at the recent mooting of tho Board of Health a report from the

Medical Officer was presented, commenting on the presence of diphtheria at Papanui, and further remarking that it had occurred periodically for some time. It seems strange to us that a Board, which is supposed to have the interests and welfare of the district at heart, should allow this state of things to continue. They are most energetic, or at least their chairman is, in obtaining money for Recreation Grounds, but they appear to grudge spending a single penny on works, which would not only bo for the benefit of the district, but might possibly put an end to a dangerous epidemic. Why this should bo so, wo are unable to say; and we are equally at a loss to understand the seeming apathy of the residents. They appear to take the thing very quietly, even though in some cases their children are stricken with a dangerous disease. If the Road Board or the residents will not stir, it is time the Board of Health at once took the matter in hand, and saw that the lives and health of those residing in the district are not imperilled. THE NEW MUSICAL SOCIETY. It will be noticed with satisfaction that a new musical society, absorbing as it were the whole of the elements of the various local societies that have started from time to time, has been successfully inaugurated. That it may prosper is, we are sure, the hearty wish of all, not alone those interested in music, but the general public. The existence in a community of societies such as these cannot but have a refining influence, and therefore it is that we hope to see the now society largely supported by tho public. As was aptly said at the meeting the other evening, the reduction of the fee for membership will allow of a wider range of influence, and thus increase the interest which should ho felt. It is true that all persons may not have that keen appreciation of the work of the society that musicians feel, but outsiders mast remember that they are aiding a good work, and providing, we trust, for the young people of our day the moans of becoming acquainted with the works of the great masters in harmony. Now that a fresh start has been made we hope all little differences of opinion will be buried, and that one and all will strive to place Christchurch musically in that position which she ought to occupy. Of late years, for some reason, we have retrograded rather, and our neighbors in Dunedin have gone ahead. But the advent of a new society under such good auspices should infuse fresh vitality into the musicians here, and induce them to take a new departure on a more solid and satisfactory basis. THE GROWTH OF THE MULBERRY.

The remarks of Mr. Federli at the meeting of the Industrial Association yesterday as to the suitability of the climate of New Zealand for the growth of the mulberry should stimulate our landowners and farmers to engage in this industry. Not alone will it be, as Mr. Federli puts it, a step in the direction of starting what will be the means of attracting capital and desirable settlers to our shores, but the mere planting of the mulberry trees as timber trees or for ornament, will amply repay the labor and expense incurred. Judging from Mr. Federli's remarks—and that he had had experience his selection for the mission he is engaged on simply proves—the mulberry tree is useful for other things besides feeding silkworms. It is spoken of as a good timber tree for casks, &c, and certainly it seems to us that it might as easily be grown as any of the pinus varieties, which are now so largely planted here. If this were done in suitable localities we should soon have plantations of mulberry trees amply sufficient to make the trial of sericiculture on a large scale. If it were found not to be a success, we should still have the trees useful, either for ornament or for the purposes referred to by Mr. Federli. We hope, therefore, that those settlers who reside in localities suitable for the growth of trees will assist by all means in their power the efforts the Government are making to introduce the mulberry tree into the colony.