New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1877.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5056, 7 June 1877, Page 2

New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1877.

In the performance of their duty to the citizens, the City Council will be called upon to-day to deal with the drainage scheme ; and we would urge upon them, in the discharge of this duty, which so obviously devolves upon thorn at this juncture, to approach the consideration of the matter in a fair and business-liko spirit. Mr. Climie's scheme has been subjected to every possible scrutiny, and it has borne the test. It has now been at least six months before the public, and such objections as have been urged against it have been unavailing to shake the solid and scientific basis upon which it is founded. In pursuance of the objects of the plebiscite, the question wa3 argued at a public meeting with considerable violence and energy on the part of its opponents; and all that unmeasured language and violent invective could do to impose upon the audience was unable to shake the confidence of the majority of the ratepayers. From the first it became evident that no valid objection could be urged against the scheme. The motion approving of the general principles was carried by a majority of three to one, or, to speak more correctly, by C 3 to 21. At the plebiscite, it was carried by an overwhelming majority. We aro aware that, had Mr. Clime known that his scheme would be subjected to such a test as a plebiscite, he would have declined to give the Council a report, although strongly urged by them to do so. To submit a scientific question to an unscientific populace was an unfair test, and we think Mr. Climie had a right to complain of it. The report of the Royal Commissioners on the various drainage schemes of Great Britain and Europe, together with the celebrated speech of Sir JosEPn Bazalgette before the Sanitary Institute of England, clearly show that Mr. Climie knew what lie was about when he undertook, at the solicitation of the committee, to devise a scheme for the drainage of the city. These deliverances were not published at the time when Mr. Climie drew up his report; therefore he could have had no knowledge of them. We have all along advocated the adoption of that gentleman's report, believing it to be sound in principle ; and it is no small gratification to ourselves to find that we are supported by the highest sanitary authorities in the world. The question of carrying out the details of the scheme will occupy the attention of the Council to-day, and we think Mr. Climie is entitled to their confidence, and to expect fair and business-like treatment at their hands. The sanitary condition of the city requires earnest and immediate attention. After what has passed the citizens have a right to oxpect this from the Council. Therefore, let there be no mere delay, but let our Councillors combine to carry out the scheme in the most expeditious, economical, and efficient manner possible.