NOT THE PLACE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 255, 4 November 1910, Page 4

NOT THE PLACE.

In view of the fact that the Council, at its meeting to-nijpit, will be asked to adopt a proposal to erect a urinal and firebell tower adjoining ■the Town Hall, we deem it our duty to point out the absurdity;of such a proposal, and also to protest against a scheme which might have serious consequences for a considerable portion of the residents of Blenheim. _ It may not have occurred to the originators of the firebell tower scheme that this bell, if rung during _an entertainment in the hall, would probably cause a stampede amongst the audience, which might end with serious results. There can be no denying that another bell is needed , for the town, but, -to use Councillor | Wfeen's familiar phrase, "No one outside a lunatic asylum," having due regard for the welfare and safety of the citizens^ would ever suggest fhe placing of a bell immediately alongside a structure where people are wont to foregather. There are, plenty of other places in the town upon which a firebell tower could be erected. .In connection with the proposal; to place a urinal on this site, it is doubtful whether Councillor Girling, who was really the originator of;this scheme of erecting public ' urinate, went thoroughly into the matter; otherwise he would not have suggested the erection of such a structure close to the front door of the principal public building in/the town. There are many reasons why the urinal should not. be ■erected on this sit©, the principal of ( which must bfe^ known, to any m^n who ; stops 'to think over the propriety of j carrying out the proposals put forth j by Councillor White, who now appears as the, father,,.of the scheme originally propounded by Councillor Girling. If necessary the ratepayers should insist upon the placing of these structures outside the Town Hall being' abandoned. The: Council as a whole should, however, not require the pressure of the ratepayers to make them realise that the present: proposal is entirely impossible • for obvious reasons, and will doubtless, take steps to have both the belltower and urinal erected upon a more suitable site. The proper places '^to erect firebells in! Blenheim, are in High Street and; Main Street, where the sound will be 'carried by the wind to other portions of the town. /