The Evening Mail. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURISTS. FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1879.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 848, 3 January 1879, Page 2

The Evening Mail. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURISTS. FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1879.

Tbzbb appear* in another column another batch of information regarding the Waterworha, and aa there will he a special Beating of the Council to-night to consider this matter, there will probably be something more about it to-morrow. The Council's Engineer has—by means of the powers vested hi him under the contract—decided that Messrs. Hesdeksow and Co. have committed a breach of the conditions of the contract, and the Council have taken over the aflair. The question now it, What will they do with it ? WOl they, in accordance with the suggestion of the Mayor—which drew forth the exces-1 sively complimentary remarks of Council-1 lor Ltodjlx regarding the ratepayers—appoint an outside and efficient engineer to report upon the works, and then resolve upon future action, based upon the joint decisions of their engineer, and that outside authority, say, Mr. Hiccuraos, who is now in Dunedfo and whose valuable opinion could douWesa be secured on reasonable terms? or, will they, after making their full statement of the position of affairs, decide that the works shall be carried on solely under the advice and superintendence of Mr. Mlj£OD? Notwithstanding the hasty and ill-judged remarks made by Councillor Lwdle, we imagine that the Council will be guided by public opinion in reference to the matter. If the appointment of a consulting engineer would allay public anxiety, provided the expense would not be out of proportion with the services rendered, he should be appointed. Without wishing to cast any reflections on the ability of Mr. M'Leod to carry the work through unaided by such engineering assistance as has been suggested, we think that the magnitude of the work demands that it should be done. "In the multitude of counsel there is wisdom." Engineers, like men of other professions, have their special lines, and whilst Mr. M'Leod might excel Mr. HiOQUmoat m some things, Mr. HicoDfscut might be able to offer Mr. M'Liod some suggestions that would save a sum ten times the amount of that that would be required to pay his fee. It is nonsense to say that the appointment of a Consulting Engineer would be an insult to Mr. M'Leod. We are sure that that gentleman, with his knowledge of the customs of his profession, would not take such a view of the matter; and we are equally sure that the Mayor, in proposing that it should be done, was actuated by the kindliest of feelings towards Mr. M'Liod.