HIGH-PRESSURE WATER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19171, 30 November 1927, Page 8

HIGH-PRESSURE WATER.

MEETING AT RICCARTON. DISCUSSION OF SCHEME. A final meeting called by the Riccarton Borough Council to discuss the proposal to raise a loan of £31,500 for a high-pressure water supply was held last evening. The Mayor (Mr H. Manhire) presided over an attendance of 60 ratepayers. The Mayor expressed his confidence that the people of Riccarton would show their realisation of the necessity for high-pressure water in the borough. At the meeting held in opposition to the scheme on Monday evening, a point had been missed in regard to Riccarton road. The Council intended putting down a permanent way, but could do nothing until the high-pressure question was decided. If it were defeated thore was no doubt that the issue would have to be brought forward again sooner or later. In such case it would be necessary to rip up the permanent way at very great and added expense. The opponents of the scheme were largo land-holders, and there was no doubt that the scheme would tell against them, but he hoped they would bo broadminded and realise that it was for the good of the greater number. The Mayor referred to Mr H. G. Livingstone's method, the night before, of counting those who voted in favour of the scheme and taking it for granted that the majority who did not vote were against it. "Now it is the great silent vote that counts," said tho Mayor, amidst derisive laughter from a section of the audience, "and many who did not vote were in favour of the scheme. We're going to get there despite the loud noise last night." "Not on your life," shouted the oppositionists. Health Viewpoint Cr. E. H. Rankin was the next speaker, and as chairman of the Water Supply Committee outlined the proposed scheme. "I can assure you that we do not want to push the scheme down the ratepayers' throats," he said. "Why did you send circulars to some ratepayers and not to others t" asked a ratepayer. "We sent it to everybody," Or. Rankin replied. A ratepayer, in contradiction, stated that he always received his rate demands, but no circular had reached him. The Mayor said that circulars had been sent to all. "I hope," said Cr. Rankin, "that those of you who are, as is obvious tonight, in a very happy state, will remember those ratepayers less happily situated in regard to water." Cr. R. Hepburn urged the necessity for installing the system before laying tho roads in permanent material. "Let us tear /the roads up now and be done with it," he said, roars of laughter greeting the remark. The Mayor: Let him finish the sentence. Colonel Dawson, speaking for the Government Health Department, B&id that the Department was going to leave the borough ratepayers to work out their own salvation. (Hear, hear.) The Health Act called for an adequate and convenient and wholesome supply of water, and it was tfor the ratepayers to decide whether the present was a suitable supply. There was always a risk of any well being- dlangerous as to the wholesomeness of the water, Colonel Dawson said in reply to a question, and there was always' a danger in cisterns. 'Asi a medical officer for health he would like to see one water supply that he could keephis eye on. Cr. L. W. Ormandy reminded ratepayers that the scheme was not only for domestio supply and sewer-flush-ing, but also for street-watering and for fire-fighting, the latter being of the greatest importance. The Town Clerk (Mr L. W. Austin) urged the carrying of tho loan on the grounds of borough progress. Ratepayer's View. Cr. Rankin, replying to a question, said he was satisfied that 75 per cent, of ratepayers would connect up< with the scheme if it were carried. A ratepayer: In five years' time they will. Or. Rankin: Then why not now, when there are only 248 people with electric pumps. If it's left for five years there will be hundreds more who have gone to the expense of installing electric pumps. Mr Livingstone asked the Mayor whether he proposed to close the meeting when all questions had been asked, or whether ratepayers would be given an opportunity of discussing it. The Mayor: You can express your opinions when voting to-morrow—-that's the proper time and placeThere is no need for a motion to-night. Mr Livingstone asked if they could use the hall to disouss the question. The Mayor said that the Council had taken the hall to place the scheme before the ratepayers. "So you won't give the ratepayers a chance of saying what they thinkP" asked Mr Livingstone, amioist considerable uproar. Be then moved: "That this meeting of ratepayers sympathises with the Council and realises that the Council has done all it can do, but they do not agree with the Council's. scheme and urge the ratepayers to reject it." Mr Livingstone spoke at length in support of his motion. Mr F. S. Wilding asked whether the Mayor would accept the motion. The Mayor: No, we have every confidence that the ratepayers will express their opinion to-morrow. Mr Wilding: I'll ask your reason. The Mayor: It is not our policy Wo shall leave it to the people. Mr Livingstone then rose and put his motion to the meeting. He declared it carried, but the Mayor announced that the "noes" had> it. t The meeting Men terminated officially, though some ratepayers showed a reluctance to leave the hall.