ASPHALTE PAVEMENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XX, Issue 2222, 22 June 1865, Page 3

ASPHALTE PAVEMENT.

(To thcEditorof the Wellington Independent.) Sik, — Allow me to compliment the citizens of Wellington, for having come to the conclusion to mend their ways. Apart from perpetrating a pun, I think it -will not bo denied, that the laying of Asphalte Pavement before the shops on the , beach, is the greatest public improvement that has yet been made in this city. Pedestrians can now perambulate the beach, without the danger of sinking up to their ancles in mud. But whilst recording my approval of this great improvement, allow me to point out what I consider to be an oversight. Ido not think that a sufficient incline is given to the pavement for the water to run into the gutter. I also observe, that no provision is made for carrying off the surface drainage from the houses. If this is not attended to now, it will ultimately become an intolerable nuisance. The pavement being higher than the land behind it, the drainage from the houses ia kept back. There being no means of escape for the water, it has cither to sink into the earth, (thus keeping the houses continually damp) or to form pestiferous stagnant pools, which in hot weather will emit sufficient malaria to engender fevers of the worst description. Considering how many persons, both old and young, have already fallen victims to fever, I deem it of the utmost importance to call attention to this matter, so that every precaution shall be taken to arrest its progress, and with G-od's aid, to di-ire it from our midst. Grood sanitary regulations are a means to such an end. An Inspector of Nuisances is much required in this city, and I trust that provision will be made in the coming session of the Provincial Council for the appointment of such an officer. The above remarks refer to the pavement laid down on the beach between Mr J. H. Wallace's and Mr Mason's stores. I observe that small drains are now being made across the pathway where the asphalte is about to be laid down, but they are mere shams, being totally inadequate for the purpose. A dangerous hole exists nearly opposite Mr Ling's shop. It is a regular trap, and some twenty persons have already fallen into it. If a man was to break his leg or destroy his clothes, I think he might obtain heavy damages from some one. Trusting that the few hints I have made, may be accepted by those in authority in the spirit in which they are intended, and that some good may be the result. — I remain your's, &c. A Citizen.