THE PRICE OF WATER.

Kumara Times, Issue 2679, 23 April 1885, Page 3

THE PRICE OF WATER.

[to the editor.] Sir—ln your leaderette on Monday last you stated that this community was deeply indebted to the present Minister of Mines for several favours, including the reduction iu the price of water. To return thanks for the latter favour I demur, seeing it is not yet granted. Some days ago I telegraphed to the Minister, Mr Larnach, about it, and as yet have received no reply. The reduction was to take place on the Ist April; it is now the 22nd, and as yet the Manager has not received notice to make the reduction. I strongly advise those who are washing up and paying for water to pay only up to the Ist April; for if once money is paid to Government, the refunding of it is difficult to obtain. If the money is once-paid at the old rate for any period after the Ist of April it would make it appear as though the miners had relieved Mr Larnach from the definite promise made, namely, that on and after All Fools Day the price of water should be two pounds ten shillings per head.—Yours, R. J. Seddon. [Our correspondent is slightly in error. The words used in our leaderette were that a deep debt of gratitude was due to Mr Larnach, Minister of Mines, " for his efforts in endeavouring to reduce the cost of water, and next in increasing onr ability to search for and test minerals." However, we hope that this letter and the telegram printed elsewhere will have the effect of reminding Mr Larnach of his promise to reduce the price of water on this goldfield.—Ed. K. T.]