THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3088, 10 January 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1879.

The Big Pump bug-bear is again crop* ping up, and we hear on all hands of a probable collapse of the goldfield, the snuffing out of the Borough, and the ascendancy of the County to look after the interests of the country. The big pump has been too long a source of alarm, and we are glad to find that there exists a feeling of confidence which cannot be upset by any of these threats of stopping the pump. People say "Let it stop, and if there is so much depending upon its stoppage, we can better face the evil when we know to what exteat we are affected. At present we decline to be a party to any farther engagements for spending public money on a private undertaking, as it is time the proprietors did something for themselves." This, we believe, represents public opinion on the matter. The stoppage of the big pump has been long suspended, like the sword of Damocles, over our heads as a calamity which we should move heaven and earth to avert, In former times great exertions have been made by Thames people, and great sacrifices made to prevent this dreaded calamity; and it would seem that the shareholders in the companies which are interested would like to see a further exhibition of energy and self denial so that they be spared. We do not think the Thames people will respond. The

securities hare been handed over to the County, and the County have decided to realise upon them. It is true* we hear, that a legal difficulty - hai betja discovered, but wo are not surprised at' that. If the County people wish to do justice to their constituents they will realise on the securities as, promptly/as possible. If they cannot foreclose for repayment of the principal, the arrears of . interest afford them a good ground, of I action, and if a firm stand is made now we have not a doubt but that the Pumping Association directors will make an effort to redeem their property. In the correspondence read at the Borough Council meeting last night we see a disposition on the part of Auckland people to co-operate in averting the threatened stoppage. There is no question that it would be as disastrous to Auckland as to the Thames, and it is patent to all that any further appeal to the Government for assistance would be futile. We have no claim to consideration, and it is almost a matter of regret that bo much public money has been spent on a work, the parties interested in which show so little disposition to help forward themselves. The Mayor's answer to Mr J. C. Firth seta forth the position of affairs so far as the Borough is concerned. The County will not, we apprehend, assume the sole responsibility of keeping the pumps going, the Borough cannot, so the shareholders must, or forfeit their claim to the property. The only way out of the difficulty we see is to form a company to acquire the County's interest, and start on a fresh basis, in a Self-reliant spirit determined to test the ground comprised within the area of the associated companies. Such a company would be liberally supported here, and might depend upon a successful career.