The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JUNE 21, 1901. WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 138, 21 June 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JUNE 21, 1901. WATER AND DRAINAGE.

The special message received by the Times yesterday sets at rest tko point raised by Councillor Lysnar as to whether or not Mr Mestayer had takon into account the nature of the foundation of the dam or reservoirWe have now the confident declaration of Mr Mestayer that there is nothing in the objection raised by Mr Lysnar. There is another stage which should now bo arrived at. We would suggest that an official statement be made of the probable financial effect of the raising of tho money. It is easy enough for individuals to give estimates of probable effects, or the position might be explained by the press. But what would be better would be for the Council to instruct the Town Clerk to prepare a simple statement giving an idea of what additional rating would be required. Mr Mestayer has given his calculations; now it would be wise to have a simple and lucid non-partisan statement from the responsible officer of the Council. What the ratepayers - want to know is the probable price they will have to pay for tho advantages obtainable for the carrying out of the schome recommended by the engineer. No sane person can do otherwise than affirm, the principle, but wise men all want to know' the cost. Any estimate set forth would be open to criticism, possibly by Councillors themselves ; but it might be given forth simply as the Town Clerk’s estimate. If a bit of roadwork has to be done, estimates are given, and the finances are looked into. It is more important that this should be done in a scheme of magnitude.