EASTBOURNE BOROUGH.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1376, 29 February 1912, Page 2

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH.

WATKR SUPPLY. ■The following petition was presented to the Mavor and councillors of the Eastbourne Borough at Wise's Rooms on Tuesday night:— "We, the HiKlprsigned ratppayers in' the Borough of Eastbourne, feeling assured that mi efficient water supply is absolutely necessary for the , reriuirenients of the l»rougli, respectfully request the council to reintroduce the ("lollan's Valley scheme, and submit it to a poll of ratepayers at the earliest opportunity." ■The petition was presented bv a deputation of four, headed by. Mr. 11. A. Wright, who in a short speech pointed out that he thought the majority of the ratepayers favoured the motion, and- that many more were willing ; to sign '• the- petition besides those who had already done so. Asked by Mr. Cook.as to the cost of.a poll, the Mayor (Mr. H. W. Short!) then said ab'jut j:l2 or .£ls. Mr. Cook then stilled that they were iu a position to guarantee half the expense. Councillor Organ was of opinion that the Oiollan's Valley was the best of the many schemes considered last year. But as he was not at .ill sure that the ratepayers, as n majority, were yet of the same.mind, he considered it advisable to postpone. the poll for another year. Councillors I'ilclier and Koss agreed that this schpinc was tho best, and the latter also thought, posiponnient for-a-year advisable. Councillor Morris . expressed similar views. The. Mayor supported, the motion, and on tlip foiloiving grounds deemed a poll advisable. . The borough was not progressing as .rapidly, as it might , . ■ -This was greatly due lo an insufficient ferry ssrvico. If the waterworks were completed it would be an inducement to people to reside in the borough, and an increase of population would further a mere frequent ferry service. He argued that the majority of the ratepayers were in favour of the scheme, ami. therefore, he advocated that a poll be taken as scon as possible.. He further stated that he had tlit' greatest, confidence in the scheme and that, if it was rejected, he would take it as.a sign that the ratepayers had had enough of his administration. . An amendment, moved by Councillor Organ, that, the council request the Mayor to bring I lip.-matter forward at the first meeting of the council in-December, was seconded by Councillor lio-s'nnd carried.