THE RATEPAYERS' MEETING

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 April 1914, Page 6

THE RATEPAYERS' MEETING

THOUGH on the surface small amount of good was done at the last meeting of ratepayers in regard to further borrowing proposals, yet it must be admitted that though no finality was come to, the subject of further loan money for water and drainage system was pretty well threshed out, and as it is obvious that more money is needed in order to connect each residence with the water and drainage mains, whifeh have just been completed at great expense, another meeting is called for Thursday evening, 7th May prox., when it is to be hoped thenecessary ballot for a loan will be agreed upon. The greatest question undecided appeared to be who should connect the houses with the mains, the property owners or the Town Board? And we say at once—the local body should most decidedly carry the work out in a systematic manner by their own employees or contractors, and charge the expense up to the property owners, who, if allowed to dabble in the matter by employing their own plumbers and labourers, would cause no end of confusion, irregularity and muddle.

As to question of fire brigade and appliances, the ECHO makes no suffusion in saying this item could well be put on one side for a time in favour of lighting up the town with acetylene ; either that for preference, or include the lighting in the borrowing scheme and avoid making two bites at a cherry. Many houses and business premises would support a lighting system, and one which would easily give the town free lights from the income.