ONSLOW ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3053, 14 April 1917, Page 10

ONSLOW ELECTION CAMPAIGN

WATER. "AND DRAINAGE. At the Methodist Schoolroom, Ngaio, last evening, three candidates of the Onslow Borough Council who are seeking re-election, and who are opposed to the catchment water scheme, addressed a well-attended meeting of electors. Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald was in the chair. At the outset Councillor W. Appleton explained that he and his colleagues were not opposed to the water scheme. They wanted hoth water and drainage, hut it was held that the pro-, per catchment scheme was inadequate to the needs of the district. It did not provide drainage which', he • maintained, was joist as essential as water. Councillor A. E. Budd discussed the width and flow of the stream in the catchment, and quoted jMinfall statistics to''show that the catchment area was too small. Compared to Wainui, Onslow, ought to 'have an area of 600 acres, whereas they had only 140 acres. He stressed the need of drainage and outlined tFe proposed scheme of the amalgamation with Wellington City, and to secure watcj and drainage from' Wellington when the Orougorongo Stream was tapped. Councillor Budd, quoted figures to show that this could be carried ont quite as economically as the other scheme, and there would he a certainty of an nmplo supply. Councillor "J. Dale dealt with the legn'l aspects, as there had been a good deal of discussion about claims for compensation likely to be made by those persons who depended on the catchment scheme for water. It was contended bv the speaker that good grounds did exist for such claims and 1m was supported by the legal opinion, of the solicitors employed by tho council. The candidates, worn cheered at'.trie conclusion of the meeting.