CORRESPONDENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1933, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE

WATER SUPPLY FEES

(To tlie Editor)

Sir. —Does history repeat itself? During the reign of Queen Anne a tax wvs 'imposed on glass windows, and now Or. King wishes to impose an 1 extr,a/ordinary water fee on septic tanks. Both impositions being directed against, appliances essential to the health aiid comfort of' the people arc equally ridiculous and iniquitous.

What i s .the matter with our councillor ? Does he not realise that in communities where no proper drainage system exists septic tanks are supremely necessary, and their use should- be encouraged.

But perhaps our worthy friend has become s o used to the noise of the iron shod tumbrils of the night that he dreads the time when the creaking and groaning of their wheels as they cumbrously move along our stony streets shall -cease. If these are the “wheels of industry” it is an-industry that requires replacement by a more modern method, and the .only; feasible, alternative i,s the septic tank ; rather than discourage our. councillors should grant every , facility for their erection. Regarding the further propos-al by the same councillor to impose an extra wate r fee on hotels and,'large boardinghouses, again. I ask, why ? Does he wish to restrict the use of. water? Surely there is plenty available on the ■West. Coast. Is the., time) coming when citizens will be restricted in* fhe;r ordinary ablutions?- I wonder what will be. the definition of -a large boarding house—a large building; or a large household If the latter definition, he may find, that some- private ' households may exceed the boarding; house in numbers, ■ and would he . therefore tax. the private -household? Sii - , -It is a common remark, “a s dead as. Queen Anne,” and I trust that after Cr. King’s proposals come up for discussion the spine -remark can aptly bo applied to them. I am, etc.. PROGRESS. Hokitika, September 13.