THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1926. HORAHIA DRAINAGE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4927, 18 January 1926, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1926. HORAHIA DRAINAGE.

Two and a, half years ago there was a movement by the settlers on a. part of the Hauraki Plains to take some active steps to secure better drainage facilities. The need was great and the matter urgent, as the prospects were that unless an improvement was effected a proportion of the settlers would have to sacrifice their holdings and make a freeii, start elsewhere. In the past thirty months Nature has been kinder, so that the dismal forecasts did not materialise; but this, did not cause the danger to be forgotten. The movement ' progressed, but necessarily it Was slow, and the milestones ever appeared to be far off On Thursday next the most important milestone will be reached, and the will' of the ratepayers' as, expressed at the ballot-box will decide whether it is to be another milestone on the journey of progress or .the signboard to the road to ruin for many. The proposal on wihch the poll is to be taken is to authorise the Horahia Drainage Board to borrow the sum of £15,500 for the purpose of providing improved drainage facilities by constructing new drains, flood-gates, etc,, and improving the existing facilities. A comprehensive scheme has been drawn up by a competent engineer and adopted by the board after mature consideration extending over a long period. It would be foolish to state that the scheme could not be improved, but it is significant that there has been very little adverse criicisin. It would also be foolish to predict that the work will be carried out in its. entirety, as conditions may change aiffi improvements may be seen! There is the fact that arrangements between the two boards are still, in a state of flux. he scheme was . designed to provide adequate outlets for all parts of the district, but the ballot paper will not be itemised, so the expenditure will be in tlie hands of the bo:'.,rd, which should, with the money available, and any subsidies thht .may be obtained, be able to have a great improvement effected. It is not to be inferred that alterations in the scheme are contemplated. The board is una.nimdusly in favour of its details, but it is worthy of consideration by doubting ratepayers, if there be any, that alteration? are possible. There is little doubt that tlie loan will be authorised, though the poll is not expected to be a large one and a vote or two may make all the difference. A three-fifths majority is necessary to carry the proposal). Adequate drainage is of s,uch vital importance that it is difficult to. find any reason for voting against the loan. The rate will not be a burden/ when it is considered Hurt unless the work for which it is to be levied fe' undertaken there will be the continued difficulty of meeting all financial obligations.