The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1874.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 119, 17 October 1874, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1874.

Some short t ; me back, it will be remembered, the City Council entered into negotiations with the promoters of a scheme for the building of a Market House. Though not agreeing with the principle of a municipal body thus to a great extent abrogating its powers, and handing over to a public company what might be made to yield a handsome revenue to the Corporation, we still looked upon it that anything which would sweep away the present collection of shanties which are allowed to remain in the centre of the town, was a benefit. The visitor, on passing through our city, cannot fail to notice with at any rate astonishment, so valuable a site, and one capable of being made an ornament to the city, instead of as at present, being an eyesore, lying unimproved, and partly occupied by buildings which are not at all fitted for such a position. It is with no wish to blame the City Council in this matter that we make these remarks ; let bygones be bygones, but we hope that when the time expires—viz, in January, 1875, for which the Council has agreed to hold over this question, that some steps will be taken to improve and beautify, in some degree at least,a site which now impresses visitors very unfavourably from its deserted and forlorn look. The alterations to Victoria bridge, and the proposal to erect new fire brigade buildings will, to a great extent, effect a change for the better, but we trust the Council will not stop here, but will also take up the project which has, so far as can be ascertained, been abandoned by its original projectors, and will provide what is a great want, a market for produce, &c. If this be done we feel certain that the ratepayers will approve of such an expenditure of money, because not only will this afford convenience to the farmers and others, but it will also tend to improve a part of the city which has great need of this being done.