Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1902. What might be.

Manawatu Herald, 24 May 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1902. What might be.

The last few days has permitted the long suffering ratepayers to watch the hardworking employees of the Borough endeavouring to remove the weeds oft the side of the road and gut-tors with such antediluvian tools as a long-handled shovel and a pick. With care, the work done looks well for a week and then after a shower, the whole area again becomes as green as grass. For the past two years Councillors have had their attention drawn to the fact that .there is on sale a chemical solution which effectually kills weeds, and is thus very much cheaper than the antiquated style still in force here. No one who travels through the streets at night need reminding that it would be safer and convenient if they were lighted. Correspondents need not rush in lettera to inform us that an annual contract is let for lighting the borough, because though a certain sura a year is paid for the gymnastic performance of a lamplighter, his duty is simply to light the wick of the lamp provided by the authorities which is such a miserable exhibition of a lamp that the light it diffuses is just sufficient to show where the lamp-post is. Wo will not be unkind enough to say that the present state of things is permitted because Councillors love the ways that are dark, and we do not really think they do, but it is evident that any new-fangled notion is a dread to them to contemplate. This darkness in the Main-street could soon be removed if the Council would seek a remedy. Lamp-posts are situated in town so that more than half the street could be better lighted. At the north end we have Mr Hamer’s supply of Acetylene gas, at Mr Haywood’s there is also a supply, and also opposite at Messrs Osborne’s and Fraser’s. All these gentlemen would, so we understand, supply the gas to the nearest town lamp at the present rate paid for oil and lighting. If this is true how much more light would be obtained for the same money. It is a new idea, and so objectionable to some, but it would be a groat improvement. There is one more lamp which is at present nest Mrs' Austin’s house iu Park street, which could aFo be supnl - - 1 -wi it decidedly is in a, t ... ...ju r,..010 more light is wanted. It is possible, from the remarks made by the Mayor at big

Retaliation, that “ something ’’ may be done during the coming twelvemonths.