WATER SUPPLY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 950, 24 July 1903, Page 2

WATER SUPPLY.

,(To the Editor Gisborne Times.)

Sir, —I wish to protest against the cavalier treatment by the City, • Council of >the water scheme suggested by Mr Matthews, and reported in your issue of 22nd inst. It has struck me forcibly as a newcomer'to Gisborne how many of those who profess to he working for the public weal, once having got an idea fixed ■in their mind, cling to it with that tenacious bigotry which defies ’all assault. Mr Matthews’ scheme admittedly gives a smaller supply than Waihirere ; but a fact, which the. Mayor apparently overlooks is that it can be "fed from the Waihirere when the needs of, the town require it and the town is better able to stand the additional burden involved in the extension. Moreover, the Mayor does not seem to think that ■a saving of £13,000 is of much importance to a town which will be so heavily rated when the water and drainage schemes are carried out. After all,- an additional- shilling or so in the pound on to the rates is scarcely worth considering !.. There were several Councillors .who appeared favorably impressed by the scheme. Why did they not demand an enquiry as to its capabilities and as to whether it was worth while getting an engineer, to report on it ? If they were in the minority at the meeting, let them make their voice heard now, instead of sitting rebuked when Cr Morrison, tells them he has been over the ground many times without recognising its undoubted suitability as a present means of water supply for Gisborne-—I am, etc., B.