The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1882.

Kumara Times, Issue 1692, 2 March 1882, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1882.

Wiiev the Hon. Mr Rolleston visited Kntnara recently, it was gratifying beyond all measure to find that in the address presented to him by the Reception Committee, a passage occurred which showed very plainly that this Borough was in a sound financial position. The words used were these : “ Having pointed out the chief requirements of the district, we will now allude to the town, and we are happy to be able to say that we do not consider

it necessary to ask on behalf of the burgesses for any expenditure from the Government.” This indicates a more healthy state of things than cah be showu in many parts of New Zealaiid, and-, under such favorable circumstances, it is extremely difficult to understand why it is that our Borough Council have so long abstained from the final consideration of many matters of the most serious importance. First on the list we place the question of watersupply, and this should be taken in hand at once. It is generally understood that the revenues of the Borough are quite sufficient to defray the cost of bringing in to Kumara a sufficient supply of water, both for domestic purposes, and also for the extinguishment of fires, should such unfortunately occur. In the event of a fire taking place at the present time in any closely-built part of the town, the effects would be most disastrous, and we cannot close our eyes to the fact that from any one of a variety of causes, a conflagration may at any moment arise which ruin a score or more of families. With this staring us in the face, why should there be any further delay in carrying out the scheme which has already been prepared for furnishing Kumara with a plentiful supply of water ? In the common interests of all, no farther delay should be permitted. For a long time, unfortunately, the Borough Council has been broken up into what may be termed factions, and it has been no unusual thing fpr members either to absent themselves from sittings, or to walk out of the place of meeting, so that there would be no quorum. Now this is shirking a responsibility which the burgesses have confided to the members of the Council individually and collectively. If there may happen to be any private or personal difference among any of the members, it should be thrown opsone side in the presence of public business. Each one may possibly think that in the event of a fire breaking out the chances are that he will be one of the lucky ones, and escape without damage; but this is a very narrowminded view of the matter, and should not be entertained for a moment. Perhaps the present apathy would not exist if candidates for seats in the Borough Council were submitted to the same ordeal which aspirants to other elective offices have to undergo. As it is, whenever there is a vacancy, extraordinary or otherwise, certain individuals are put forward, or put themselves forward ,• their opinions with regard to municipal matters are totally unknown, the ratepayers are afforded no opportunity of questioning a candidate upon matters affecting the interests of the Borough ; and on the polling day,it is usually found that a majority of votes are given through personal friendship or acquaintanceship, instead of upon anything like a broad principle. Be this as it may, one thing is certain, that the Borough Council as a rule do nothing hut attend to ordinary routine business, instead of adding to it the consideration of questions which very largely affect every ratepayer. When will some councillor pluck up sufficient spirit to force upon the Council the consideration of such a question as that to which we are now referring, and have previously referred? Whoever will undertake the duty will find that he will receive the hearty thanks of the community.