The Star. MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1868.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 136, 19 October 1868, Page 2

The Star. MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1868.

r E are glad to learn that the subject df the direct road to Kiccarton, through Hagley Park and iv continuation of Armagh street, is engaging the earnest attention of several influential citizens. We believe it will be found thai no great difficulty stands iv the way of accomplishing so desirable au object, aud that energetic action, combined with a moderate amouut of public sup port, are all that is necessary. The great benefit of such a road to a large portion of the city must be obvious to anyone who will give the subject a moment's consideration ; and, ou the principle that their only desire is to act for the public benefit, the gentlemen who have taken thia subject in hand ought to be able to count on the active sympathy and support of the members of the Borough Council, lt has been hiuted that some opposition might be expected in this quarter ; but a fuller consideration of the matter will, we think, convince most people that the Borough Council could not consistently oppose a scheme which is undoubtedly calculated to improve an important part of the city and give satisfaction to a large section of the ratepayers^. The promoters of the movement intend to hold a public meeting tomorrow evening for the purpose of discussing thesubject, and, we presume, forming a committee to do the necessary work. They will, no doubt, be prepared to lay before this meeting all the information necessary, and at least such a general outline of a plan as will form a prudent basis for future action. We are glad to hear that the owners of property, and others, in the northern part of the city are prepared to give this movement their liberal support. In the district which would be more directly benefited by the proposed road will be found many gentlemen of acknowledged position and influence. These, we have every reason to believe, will do their best to aid those who take a more active part in forwarding this movement.

A nuirouit is current iv Christchurch to the effect that the Hou. Mr John Hall's place in the Stafford Ministry will be filled by a Canterbury member whose name has been prominently before the public iv connection with financial reform. We do not, indeed we cannot, believe that there is any truth in this rumour, and for the simple reason that so very glaring an instance of political inconsistency would be, not more thau the public have already witnessed in a Canterbury representative — vide the Hon. Mr John Hall, impeachment, and Mr Stafford — but a great deal more than they would patiently tolerate.

Besides, the gentleman to whom rumour points in this matter has given the public every reason to believe that his conduct, in strong opposition to the Stafford Miuistry duriug the session, | was based on mature and lasting conI victious of policy, financial and otherI wise. He. has not, hitherto, given any signs of instability of purpose, or of that flexibility which enables a man to accommodate himself to a position which his honest convictions must (ell him is notoriously inconsistent. We must, therefore, repeat that we do not believe the rumour, although, as journalists, it is our duty to record it for the information of our readers.