WATER EXTENSION.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3082, 13 May 1881, Page 2

WATER EXTENSION.

[To thb Editor oj the Daily Tblkgbaph.] Sir,—As the councillors are" about to consider tbe engineer's report on the extension of the water supply, I wish to make a few remarks upon the subject, as it is one of paramount importance to a large number of ratepayers. To any one who reads the published statement of borough accounts it will appear clear that there are ample funds in hand to at once undertake the water extension complete the present drainage contract' and leave a balance of about £17,000 to the credit of the Corporation. If the published figures are reliable there are £25,000 on deposit in the Union Bank, a credit balance of £7,000, and an asset of £7,000 in real estate (reclaimed land). Thus there is in all £39,000, subject to reduction by £7,000 for bank overdraft, and at the outside £5,000 for contract now in hand, leaving a balance of £20,000 cash and £7,000 for reclaimed land. If £10,000 be taken out of this £27 000 for water supply £17,000 will still remain, and I think it would be the duty of tbe Corporation to retain this balance in hand for some years until it could be ascertained whether the drainage scheme was an absolute failure. Another consideration which should have weight is the fact that a water consumer's rate of sixpence in the pound is chargeable wherever water is used. If, therefore the water scheme be extended an increased revenue from hill properties will be derived in addition to tbe half-crown rate now existing. Hoping the Corporation will consider this matter with a due regard for the important interests involved,—-I am, &c, Ratepayer. Napier, May 13, 1881.