The Star. MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1869.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 338, 14 June 1869, Page 2

The Star. MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1869.

These is one subject which the City Council might, we think, take into consideration. "We refer to the surface drainage of the city. Ordinarily, the drainage, if not all that could be desired, in in moat cases about sufficient. *But when rain baa fallen for a few days, -as- during the past week, deficiencies become very unpleasantly and injuriously apparent. This fact cannot, we believe, be disputed. 'Considerable attention has been • given to lighting, draining, and ornasome portions of the city, but somehow — from what cause it is difficult to say — the ratepayers who have the misfortune to live beyond certain limits do not receive such attention as they have fair claims to. The formation and plant:ing of the belts is ho doubt very desir-e-able. But, is it essential to the comfort -and convenience of any large section '•of those who contribute the funds placed at the disposal of the Council ? Is it not rather to be viewed in the ; light of a luxury, which might fairly postponed till necessaries are provided in other directions ? We confess, at once, that we should like to see the belts formed all round, that we should like to see them look as -well as they might be made to look, aud that their proper formation would add greatly to tho appearance of the .pity. But, on the other hand, we .cannot help feeliu.c; that those who ask for an extension of lighting, and a more - efficient drainage, have a much stronger • :r dnira on the attention of the Council. We think that the belts might be - deferred, and that all work of a similar class might also be deferred, till the essential requirements of various portions of the city are provided for. The ratepayers, if we mistake not, would •find it to their advantage to insist on the division of the city into wards.