Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, FEB. 11, 1905. A Borough Necessity.

Manawatu Herald, 11 February 1905, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, FEB. 11, 1905. A Borough Necessity.

Now that we ara experiencing a apell of dry weather, the general topic of conversation drifts towards our water-supply ana how long it will hold out. Most of the household tanks are already feeling the effects of “no rain,” and we only want a short drought to leave us entirely destitute. Certainly we have a never-failing supply near at hand, —the Manawatu river,--and it only needs a few enterprising < ’OUUcillors to formulate a scheme by which the flow of water can be brought to our very doors. We know this matter has engaged the attention of our civic heads previously, but so far nothing has been done. The beginning and end of progress is “cash,” and this commodity seems to be the stumbling block with our Councillors. They do not feel disposed to go into matters they cannot manage directly, but this policy is wrong. Have we not evidence before us almost every week ? Why, even smaller towns than ours are continually borrowing for public works which prove successes and which further the interests of their towns in a marked manner. Our correspondence columns are open to public discussion on the matter. Of late we have published letters dealing with the project, but so far none of the schemes proposed commend themselves to our favour. We would like the Council to go fully into the matter at once, and finally decide to put a loan to th* ratepayers for their appproval. We feel sure of the result. That it would be carried we have no doubt. If we are to keep abreast with this progressive age, the time has come when we must meet our words with deeds, and we hope to record the fact that the Council have referred to the matter at Monday’s meeting. l