Page 4 Advertisements Column 5

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1002, 22 September 1903, Page 4

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they had gone up considerably. There was too much 'doubt about Waihirere for the ratepayers to think of it. Captain Tucker said at the present time they had a 12-iuch fire-main along the street, and they pumped from the Taruheru a greater quantity of water than n they hau the fresh water supply. How then could they expect a reduction in the insurance rates ? Did they suppose that the substitution of fresh water would make any difference. On the contrary, it seemed to him that salt water was better than fresh for firo purposes. The Chairman invited any person in the hall to ask questions, which the speakers would be pleased to answer. It was dosired that there should be free discussion to all. Or J. Somervell wanted the ratepayers to look the question fairly and squarely in the face, and not to mind Mr Mestayer’s estimate. As a member of the Borough Council, he had at all times supported investigation. They ought to investigate all the sources and put the plain facts before the ratepayers, and let them judge for themselves. (Applause.) If the ratepayers said that the money was to bo borrowed and the present proposals carried out, it was the duty of the Council. to see that it was properly spent. Continuing, Or Somervell said : “ Waihirere did not take my fancy altogether. It is a pretty place, and the country is free from faults. When 1 saw Waihirere there was a small stream of water in it, and I was thoroughly convinced that it was not a sufficient supply for us, lam very much in doubt as to whether there is tho supply of water coming into it. It is only a catchment. Mr Mestayer has taken the average rainfail for 21 years, and has stated that so many million gallons fall into it in a year. But, ladies and gentlemen, we have to look at it in this way. If there comes one year like that of tho present time, what are wo to do for a supply ? What is tho use of all that has been flooded away and gone from us? We want water all the time. I am not going to persuade you either for or against. All the facts Bhould be put before the ratepayers, and lot each independently judge for himself. It is a crucial stage of the Borough’s existence, _ and in a couple of days you will either settle for tho £75,000, or we shall have to look for a better supply of water. I do not say that Mr Townloy is doing wrong. He is doing quite right according to the light he has. Mr Lysnar is also acting according to the light that he has, as I am doing also. I want you to do the same.. Mr F. Harris addressed the meeting in avor of the loan proposals, stating that it seomed strange that they should have four members of the Harbor Board criticising the actions of the Borough Council. He was confident that the proposals would be carried by an overwhelming majority. The Chairman hoped that ali present would do all in their power to veto the present proposals, so that they might have a; water supp'y that they could depend upoD. It was not a question of water or no water. They all agreed that water was required, but the question was whether they should go in for a doubtful scheme or go further afield and got a better one. “In my mind,” declared the speaker, “ since Saturday last there is even a greater doubt than ever as to the water. I live close to Waihirere, and I went home on Saturday after there had been considerable rain, expecting to see some water in the drains, but I could not get a thimbleful. I expected to see water in the water courses, but there was none. I looked carefully to see if the stream was flowing more rapidly, but it was not. Any person can verify what I say by going up there to-morrow. I will give £lO to the Hospital if he can get a pannikanful. (Applause.) Now, if the flat immediately below absorbs all the 'water I am sure that the Waihirere catchment will absorb all the rain. There is the gravest doubt about tho scheme, and I strongly advise you to hesitate before you pledge yourselves. The Borough cannot afford to borrow on so doubtful a scheme, and the rates will be so heavy that people will avoid the borough altogether. There is nothing certain in it except heavy rates. Therefore I say cast your votes according to the best of ypur ability, remembering that you will saddle yourself with heavy rating for a vory doubtful thing indeed. If you veto this scheme there is nothing to prevent you bringing scheme after scheme until you get thejfour requisites, (1) purity of water, (2) plenty of water, (3) good pressure, (4) water for working power in the place and supplying industries. (Loud applause.) I trust that on Wednesday the result of the poll will be satisfactory to us, and that we shall afterwards get what we want. (Applause.) A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.

Whoever would be “ Cock o’ the Walk” Must open bis mouth and efOW lOlld,. For whispers and mutters are plainly not talk, And very soon lost in a crowd. We take special care that we may be neard, Our knowledge we cannot immure For bad coughs and cold the stuff that’s preferred WOODS’ GREAT PEPPERMINT CURE.