EASTBOURNE WATER SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2446, 27 April 1915, Page 7

EASTBOURNE WATER SCHEME

RATEPAYERS DISCUSS IT.

A public meeting of residents of Eastbourne was held in the Eastbourne Town Hall last night for the purpose of discussing the water supply loan proposals in respect to which a poll «tvill be taken to-morrow.

The Mayor of Eastbourne (Mr. W. <), Organ) presided over a, very large number of residents.

In opening the meeting, Mr. Organ said that soma four years ago a soheme was put forward by tho council, but rejected by the ratepayer's. It was held at that time that the occasion for such a scheme had not yet arrived. Since then the conditions of the borough had altered entirely. The winter population had increased from 600 to 800, while the summer population (for which they would also nave to cater) had increased from 1000 to 1760. Then from about 200 dwellings four years ago there were now 300. Again, since 1910 160 permits had been issued for buildings, valued at £26,000. Now the district had a ferry service which was a paying scheme, and no burden to the ratepayers. (Applause.) They could see, therefore, how the borough had gone ahead, and therefore the council oonsidered tho time opportune for the installation of a water scheme. They must remember, however, that the scheme at present submitted was not the only ono. Of the other schemes the only important one was that to tap the Wainui-o-mata main. One merit in this 6cheme would be to furnish an adequate pressure for . fire purposes. This scheme, however, had many demerits. The scheme the council proposed would cost about £12,600, while the alternative scheme would cost £21,000 odd. With the former scheme the borough would have the advantage of controlling its- own water service. In detailing the main features of the proposed scheme, the speaker 6aid that the source of supply was the Gollan's Valley stream/ A quantity of 400 gallons per minute could be obtained from the headworks, and would be carried to a tunnel constructed near the southern end of the borough. In respect to the tunnel, it had.been suggested by the council to make it suitable for pedestrian traffic. This would add an additional £1750 to the loan. (A voice: "Which wo will pay.") The present council very regretfully left this proposal, however, to some future council.

Tho amount of the proposed loan, continued the speaker, would include preliminary expenses, interest and sinking fund for the first year. To meet this for; the first year it was proposed to strike a rate of 2d. in the £ on the unimproved value of all rateable property of the district. Councillor Button spoke subsequently, saying he was one of those who had been opposed to the some years ago. but now was strongly in favour of

it. Mr. J. B. Speed was strongly of tho opinion tha.t the amount of the loan should'have been £15,000, _and the tunnel made to suit pedestrian traffic to give access to the fine country beyond. Other ratepayers also spoko. Mr. J. B. Speed then moved: "That the whole matter of the loan proposals bo left over for the incoming council to deal with, with a view to increasing tho loan to £15,000." There was no seconder to the motion, and it, lapsed. The chairman thanked tho ratepayers for their attendance, and as the meeting proper was over, invited the candidates for the council to speak. The twelve candidates,' who subsequently" brieflv stated their future policy on the council of elected, were:—Messrs T. W. Pilclier, H. Foley, J. W. Heenan, W. Perry (members of the present council); M. Baker, A. W. Cook, O. H. Guise, 0. A. Maiqrus, J. Morris, W. R. C. MThereon, P. Levi, and C. RusselL