The Evening Mail THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1878.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 785, 17 October 1878, Page 2

The Evening Mail THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1878.

But a few weeks ago we were threatened with a public hall in almost every street ; now the proverbial reaction has occurred, and it seems as though we were not to have even one. There are difficulties in the way of the accomplishment of two or three of the schemes proposed a short while ago that were to provide Oamaru with a place suitable for public purposes ; but, so far as we know, there is no reason why the Municipal Council should not take the matter in hand now and bring it to a satisfactory issue. Even if difficulties do interpose themselves in the way of the building by the Municipal Council of a Town Hall and Municipal offices, it is their duty to overcome them, undor the circumstances. They have it all their own way now, The coast is clear. It was thought that the Council intended to proceed immediately with the erection of a Town Hall, and the* proposed Hall Company and other kindred projects seem to have ; collapsed for that reason. The exigencies of the case will ere long arouse the public to the necessity for providing themselves with a hall in which to hold public meetings, entertainments, &c. .Next time we believe that something tangible will be the result. We do not require two or three halls. One would pay handsomely, whilst more than that would entail loss. But in a little while j two or three schemes for supplying the hiatus will again spring up simultaneously, I none of which could be abandoned without loss. The delay is unnecessary. The Council should build on tiie comer opposite Hoon and Siiennan's and St. Luke's Church a building that would comprise a hall suitable for public meetings, entertainments, com exchange, municipal offices. &0.. whilst a row of shops would do much to pay interest on the amount expended. The Council should lose no time in offering a bonus for competitive designs. If the Council refuses to take action in the matter, a public petition to that body might have the desired effect.