The Star. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1868.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 132, 14 October 1868, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1868.

o A bridge was recently erected across the Avon in continuation of Manchester street. That bridge waa not particularly required, but the City Council yielded to the persistent demands of a few citizens who took an interest in the matter, on the understanding that half the cost was borne by the public. On this condition the bridge waa erected, and a precedent established for future demauds on the Borough Council. X That precedent, we Lave reason to believe, will be pleaded in furtherance of another work, which the Council will be asked to undertake. We refer to the opening up of the direct road to Riccarton, in continuation of Armagh street. C^lt may be urged that this road ianot required, and that it would be an encroachment upon Hagley ParE} It ia hardly necessary to make any~reply to the first objection, seeing that those who reiy en it are precisely the persons whose judgment is not and cannob be unprejudiced in the matter. And the second objection is, we think, frivolous. A reserve was made for this road several years ago, on the energetic representations of several citizens, and no injury could be done to Hagley Park, by putting the reserve to its legitimate use. Indeed, the Park might be thereby very greatly improved. It may be said that the expense of opening up this road would be very considerable, aud that, in the present circumstances of the city, the money cannot be spared. At the very outside, the work would not cost more than £400, including a bridge across the Avon at the end of Armagh street, lt would not be necessary, in the meantime, to erect a second bridge at the Government Buildings, for the Vie toria bridge is close at hand, and to go round the terrace from the direct line of Armagh street would not involve much additional time or trouble. So far aa we can see, the matter rests

mainly with those who have property or other interests in the north end of the city. And there seems no reason to suppose that the work ought to meet with opposition in any quarter ; at least, ou reasonable and sufficient grounds.