WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 996, 15 September 1903, Page 2

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS FAVORABLE TO SCHEME.

A meeting of ratepayers favoring the loan proposals was held in tho rooms over Dalrymple’s last evening, the Rev. 11. Williams presiding. In addressing the meeting Mr Williams referred to the necessity of keeping the ratepayers in touch with the scheme, and instructing thorn on all points. They required to put forward all their efforts so as to carry the poll by a substantial majority. He was sure that many of those who previously voted against the proposals would not do so again, as they had been led to see their mistake. If they got at tho real reason why many ratepayers opposed the loan proposals, they would find that it was not because it was Waihirere, or that the drainage scheme contained a pumping element, but because thoy felt that the town could not bear tho burden of the extra rates. It was now more than eighteen months since the last poll was taken, during which period the valuations of the borough had increased considerably, so that it would not be necessary to strike such a high rate to cover the cost of the scheme. In conclusion, Mr Williams urged those present to do all they could in support of the scheme. Mr W. Webb said that a good many ratepayers had not tho slightest idea of the great portion of the town that was to be-supplied with water. He himsolf was quite astonished when he saw the map. ■The Chairman S I was exceedingly interested to find that every street except the one I reside in was to be supplied. 1 suppose this is because I' was chairman of tho committee. Mr Morgan : You will have to pay for it. Mr Williams : I will have a tap at the corner, and run along and fetch it. Practially all the streets in tho borough up to Roebuck road will be supplied. Mr W. Devery took exception to the proposals bocause certain portions of Whataupoko were included, and these would not benefit. He had been assured by a leading accountant in Gisborne that the carrying out of the scheme meant an additional rate of 3s 6d in the £. Mr Williams pointed out to Mr Devery that nothing like the amount stated would be required. General discussion followed, and it waß decided to form a committee to work for tho carrying of the poll.' Mr Williams said that Mr Towhley had kindly placed tho room they were occupying that evening at the disposal of tliß committee, and Mr F. Harris would be pleased to supply any information required to ratepayers. It was also decided to form a committee of ladies.