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Southland Times, Issue 1770, 22 July 1873, Page 2

The motion carried by Mr Lumsden in the Provincial Council for the extension of Tt\y-street has, as might have been expected, taken many of the inhabitants by surprise. Tho importance of the issue involved in the passing of the motion is so great, that we place it again before the public with a view to the expression of their opinion thereon. That the Government be requested, to -give | directions for the survey of the extension of Taystreet, Invercargill, westwacd from its inter Beotion by Dee-street, so that the same shall run in the form of a orescent towards tho Railway Station. That the width of said .'extended stroot be one and a half chains. That the lan.l abutting on the south and south-western side of the crescent bo surveyed in section's of one half chain eaoh in frontage, and two chains in depth. That a roadway be laid off at the rear of said sections one chain wide, and the upset price of said sections be £50 eaoh. Before discussing the question of the desirability of carrying into effect such an alienation of the public estate as that proposed by the motion, we would ask the questions, by what authority Mr Lttmsden" has moved in this direction ? whether he is acting in thia matter upon hiß own responsibility, or has taken any pains to ascertain if his motion is in accordance with the views of the inhabitants ? Unless the latter course has been adopted (and we are not aware that it has) Mr Lumsdejt's motion ia one for which he will not be thanked, when the matter is duly considered. Mr Lumsden" has perhaps more than any man now in the Council insisted upon the right of the public to be consulted in all matters in which their interests are concerned, and his present action is irreconcilable with his belief in the existence of such right. Difference of opinion may exist as to whether the proposed sale is or is not judicious, and in view of the probable large increase in tiie railway traffic, and the consequent necessity for extension of accommodation, we have no hesitation in asserting that it is not desirable to sell the portion of land in question. At the late municipality nomination, a candidate suggested the erection of gasworks on a site contiguous to tho railway, and the water works will shortly need a location, but the proposal of Mr Ltjmsden, if carried out, will leave little or no convenience for the extension of existing works, or for the creation of new works in anything like a central position. The encroachment upon the land, understood to be desigued for the public buildings, which the motion contemplates, will have the effect of interfering materially with their ornamental and attractive character, and possibly their efficiency, but this may by some be held to be a, small matter. The Government will, as a matter of course, acquiesce in the proposal, for the reason that the sale of the land will furnish funds for the erection of the buildings contemplated. This view ought not, however, to influence their decision upon the matter, the fact being that our local contributions to the Provincial revenue have been bo large as to justify the expenditure necessary for the erection of commodious and suitable Provincial buildings. If, however, the only condition upon which these new buildings will be erected, is the sale of the land included in Mr Ltjmsden's motion, we say unhesitatingly, we shall b© better without them, and that the price we are asked to pay for them is far in excess of their value. Doubtless the extension of Tay- street may Beem desirable, while there is do doubt but that the allotments proposed would find ready purchasers at high prices. We have, however, at the present to lay aside the question of desirable business Bites and private interests, and to consider whether in view of the certainty that at no distant date increased public accommodation will be required, we shall be acting wisely in allowing without remonstrance an alienation which will place it out of our power to furnish it ? We have no doubt but that the verdict of the people will be that the proposed sale ought not to be carried out.