GREATER CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7331, 18 February 1902, Page 2

GREATER CHRISTCHURCH.

. The Sydemhaon and Linwood. Borough Counoils both discussed' the question, of a "Greater Christchuirch " last evening, and with "widely different results. The former main'tained 1 the attitude of obstinate ihostility which it ]jas chosen to .adopt towards the proposal*. It ds opposed to amalgamation, and it pretends to 'be utterly oblivious to the advantages to be iderived therefrom. 'Moreover, in its blindness, it either cannot or will not see that there is a growing feeling in favour of the mnification of the city and iborougha. Its answer to the Ci.ty Council's request that it -wouTd o^btain the views of the ratepayers' on the point is evidence of this. Its reply, moreover, was about as discorteous as it was possible to -make it, and' the remarks of the Councillors themselves during the discussion on the Oity_ Council's request were couched in a • singularly offensive strain. In every respect . neither were, justified; The City Council may not be a paragon! of municipal virtue, and it' certainly has committed many mistakes in- dts management of the city's affairs. In the past, also, ifc h&s .not always treated the boroughs with tact and consideration. (But it certainly did not deserve all the strictures passed on it by certain speakers at Sydenham last night. (Moreover, whatever the past sins of the City Council uniaiy have 'been, ats present attitude towards the boroughs on the "Greater Christchurch " question is distinctly friendly. But even if the general attitude of the City Council towards the boroughs had ibeem *tili open to criticism, there is no excuse for the action of the Sydenham Council last night. The latter 'body received a civil request, and at least it might haive rsturned a polite answer. In striking contrast to the action of the Syd«nham Corporation was the behaviour of the Limwood Borough Council. The latter met the City Council's request im the spirit in which it was made. It discussed iit carefully and' dispassionately, and ultimately decided to return an answer which will ihave the effect of bringing the problem of a "Greater Christchurch " a step neariar solution. The sensible attitude of the Linwoodi Councillors, . Amd the fact that feeling in favour of at is growing in both Linwood and St Albans, encourages 4ho hope that, im spite of the uncompromising opposition of. the Sydenham Council, the< project may take a definite shape before long.