Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,700 Copies Daily SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1911. BOROUGH WORKS FOR THE YEAR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9507, 6 May 1911, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3,700 Copies Daily SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1911. BOROUGH WORKS FOR THE YEAR.

TnE Borough Council last night considered the estimates.for the ensuing year, and in the detailed account we give in another column it will bo noticed the civic authorities intend to further improve the appearance of the towii and make a forward move in many directions, One of the welcome features is the asphalt top dressing of the whole of the Square streets, an improvement which should bring tlie town' nearer the city ideal. The work done in Main street has proved a decided success, that highway having been converted from a sea of mud into the cleanest street of the Borough. When the Square streets are treated similarly the dust nuisance should be greatly minimised, for the Council is also obtaining a tar sprayer and this, working in conjunction with the improved streets, will practically clear the Square of the clouds of dust which arc so unpleasant to pedestrians and so unprofitable to shopkeepers. The experiment of the tar-sprayer will be watched with interest and should ultimately make for economy and efficiency. The Council is also to be commended for a proposal to raise a small loan for a number of minor but necessary works, such as sewer and footpath extension. Then the cycle track idea, which has been such a boon to residents on the out" skirts of the town, is to bo extended -to include Cuba sti'eet, Rangitikci street and Main street West to the Borough boundary.. There is also a proposal to remodel the Square enclosure opposite the Union Bank, thus further improving the appearance of our admirable reserve. A matter which caused considerable discussion was a proposal to vote £IOO 'for expert advice m tlie nvueh-dis-

cussed question, of trains. It will be 'remembered that some time ago a public meeting advocated procuring this expert advice, but the Council did not see eye to eye with the meeting. Now, however, that amount has been included in the estimates, and it is to be hoped that the result will be a thoroughly reliable and disinterested inquiry on this important matter. With so much dust-throwing and so much hysterical outcry against a careful enquiry the issues have been somewhat confused. There will now bo time for hot heads to cool a little while the expert is, being procured. Meanwhile we are pleased to note a chorus of approval from all sections of the community on our action in giving publicity to other methods of traction and the success or otherwise of trains in other towns. Our leader of yesterday on the rise of the omnibus has brought to light numerous queries for more information on the question, and we are informed that quite a number of leading citizens are discussing the new method of conveyance. In fact it is whispered that one of the prominent tram agitators has been converted.