THE DRAINAGE OF TOWNS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 983, 12 April 1862, Page 3

THE DRAINAGE OF TOWNS.

To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times.

Sih,—Since the establishment of corporations for the towns of Lyttelton and Christehurch, tlie questions of drainage and sewerage have occupied public attention more than usual; and it was with much pleasure that I read both in your columns and those of the 'Press' some valuable suggestions on these subjects

There. are few men of education and experience who do not recognise the fact that science achieves the greatest success when it seeks hints for its designs among the laws of Nature or of Providence, and that wealth and energy will sometimes fail in a work when, as your contemporary the ' Press' truly observed, " those unchangeable laws are violated."

The main question to be discussed at present, both by Christchurch and Lyttelton, is—How the refuse of the towns can be collected and conveyed away with due regard both to economy and health? Now I believe that it is a just and natural law that duty like charity should begin at home, and that the state or the community should not be called upon or taxed to clean a man's house when he can do it for himself. A constitutional Government best proves its paternity by calling upon its children (arrived at man's estate) to exert their talents and energies, as far as they can, for their own benefit and happiness. The opposite course would only prove that it deserved the title of an indulgent " granny." I think, Mr. Editor, it would be a grent mistake for the towns to go to the Provincial Government for the purpose of asking help in commencing a grand system of drainage or sewerage if a more simple and economical plan could be originated. I do not think I am alone in the opinion that, even if sewers could be constructed, they ought only to be used for drainage of a perfectly innocuous description, and that all animal or vegetable) refuse should be collected and deodorized by individual industry and expense. The conveyance of the said refuse to some suitable locality is a fair question for local administration, but every owner or occupier of a house or property should be made responsible by law for the condition of his premises and have his rubbish ready to be carted away when called upon at stated times to do so. I was much pleased with a little pamphlet lately distributed in Christchurch, which recommends a contrivance called a

"Patent Eartl) Closet," and a very good contrivance it is. The writer shews that 'the deodorization of night soil may he managed by simply mixing it with dry earth. Ido not think it. would he wise for the Councils to try and lay down any arbitrary rule as to the construction of closets, &c, but allow individuals to exercise their own 'judgment-, within certain limits, as to their construction, so that they may adapt these conveniences to their peculiar circumstances. The great thing to be aimed at is to prevent foul exhalations by speedily mixing the night soil with dry earth or ashes. I have.seen a very simple method adopted which might suit those who could not afford a more ingenious contrivance. It was simply a dust bin built behind the closet, the seat of which was over one side of it, so that the soil was always covered over by the ashes from the grate and other rubbish of the house. The top of the bin might have a moveable cover, and the side also be moveable to allow of the contents being: easily moved. ; If some plan similar to this was adopted by the Municipal Councils, the question of underground, drainage might remain for discussion when the; towns were more advanced, and had become more! accustomed to, self-government. It would be sheer; folly to undertake great works with little experience. ■ The whole attention ot the Councils could then be! directed to surface drainage, and improvements; within their means, and the towns would be no burden to the country, but the contrary ; as has been suggested by other writers, they could supply; the country with maiiure at a small cost, or perhaps! till farmers learnt its value, for nothing. ; The great difficulty we may anticipate for ouri young Municipalities will be in carrying out their; regulations. The easiest, part-of .government is legis-j lation ; the most difficult, administration.* It is to! be hoped that any laws they make will be such as' can be easily carried into effect, as failure in this; respect would have a serious bearing upon their; usefulness. I have no doubt that the Provincial! Government will be all the more ready to help them! if they prove that they can help themselves, and, are willing to refrain from seeking assistance tillj they cannot do without it. The day will no doubt' arrive when rates must be established, but I think! it will-be as well to defer such a step till the peoples begin to appreciate the benefits to be derived from j the new institutions. The first step is cleanliness, [ and if that can be satisfactorily achieved, there is) little doubt that good temper will follow in the steps j of good health, and the good folks of Christchurch j and Lyttelton will be prepared to answer any! reasonable demands that their Municipal Councillors \ may consider necessary for their welfare. i

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

CITIZEN. * This assertion may admit of some modification, but 1 fear to trespass too much upon your space.