THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 9, 1881. A PERMANENT MARKET.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2372, 9 November 1881, Page 3

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 9, 1881. A PERMANENT MARKET.

VVE regret that wo cannot agree with the committee of the City Council in the conclusion arrived at hy them with regard to the erection of a permanent market. There are two points, apart from the disinclination of City Councillors to ask for more rates, upon which we join issue with the committee. The first of these is the estimate of the cost. We feel perfectly certain that a very handsome and commodious building, quite sufficient for the city as at present constituted, could bo erected for a very much less sum than that put down by the

committee. Wo give them every credit for endeavouring,according to their rights to decide this question fairly on its merits, but we are afraid that in this respect at least they have allowed their imaginations to run away with them. 'i hough wo desire to boo, in place of the nest of rookeries now existing, a building worthy of the prominent site and of the city, wo have no wish to see the ratepayers’ money expanded in a lot of needless ornamentation. A plain but substantial building, affording accommodation for say twenty shops or stalls, ton on each side of a broad asphalte main avenue would be all that need be done. In reality, it would be but a shell, and therefore wo are quite unable to see how the great amount put down by the committee would be required. Of course we could spend £20,000 on a building, but it is not necessary in this case. So much for the first point. Now, with regard to the revenue likely to be derived from the building. We still contend that the city would reap a very considerable revenue from the rentals of these shops. The very imperfect and inadequate accommodation afforded by the Paddy’s Market, established under the auspices of the City Council, has boon eagerly taken up, and in many cases a pro mium paid to the original holders. Given a decent market, whore not alone the work* ing classes but all could go with comfort, to purchase whatever might be required, and the public patronage would be trebled, thus enhancing the value of a stall considerably. The rental derivable ; say from twenty stalls would recoup the outlay and pay a very handsome interest i on the money. Every year would, whilst decreasing the charge upon the rates for ; interest and working fund, increase the 1 revenue. We have no doubt that the business people regard the proposal to establish a permanent market as likely rather to interfere with them ; but we do not think this will be so to a very large extent. It may for a time interfere with some particular lines, but it will not with all, and it seems only right that the concurrence of the many should bo consulted, even if it affects a few. We cannot but express a hope that, despite the unfavorable report of the committee, ( we shall some day see the block of build- £ ings which now disgrace the Market place swept away and their places occupied by a handsome and convenient, ’ though, comparatively speaking inexpensive market. ,