Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 1906. NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS. THE “STINK POT” PROPOSAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3627, 22 March 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 1906. NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS. THE “STINK POT” PROPOSAL.

We do not believe for one moment that the common sense ofFoxton’s ratepayers will allow them to cast their votes in favour of building concrete tanks- -cummonly termed “ stink pots ” —for the purpose of holding water calculated to extinguish any outbreak of fire that may occur. There are those'who may argue that the scheme worked elsewhere, but we contend Foxtou should go in for a more up-to-date and progressive scheme for dealing with fires, and unless we feel disposed to borrow thousands, better to leave the matter alone altogether. The well proposal certainly does not meet with our approval, and we feel sure any money expended on these concrete wells would be money wasted. What we wantis a high pressure service which will fill all purposes,—those of fire-extinction, household, and possibly drainage. Cannot it be arranged to secure the use of the hill property near the racecourse, sink for water, and erect a reservoir, —the proposal put forth some months ago. Such seems to us the only feasible way out of the difficulty. The talk of getting water from Shannon would certainly prove best, but we cannot even think of such a scheme, as the finance required is far beyond our reason. If water can be obtained at the spot suggested, why don’t we face the question as it should be faced and decide to borrow the few thousand required to establish a good sendee, if, not drainage, at all events sufficient to meet the requirements of fireextinguishing and household uses. The meeting of ratepayers called ffir to-morrow night is to discuss the advisability of putting the concrete tank scheme to the poll, but we don’t hesitate one moment in advising the large meeting expected to reject the scheme from the outset. There seems to us no reasonable hope of such a scheme being approved of, and why waste time. Eet us be up-to-date, and try and progress as other towns do by establishing an up-to-date service which will always prove to be a valuable asset. Decide at once—with as little talk as possible—to borrow the necessary capital required to purchase the land, erect reservoir, and fit the whole town up with an efficient water service. Otherwise, let the matter drop, and allow Foxton to remain as stagnant as it has been for the past thirty years, whilst other towns boom. Another proposal to be discussed at the Public Hall to-morrow evening is that of borrowing money to erect new Borough Offices. This proposal has our heartiest support, as all will admit who respect our civic fathers’ dignity. To conduct their business in the ramshackle at present termed the Council Chambers is nothing short of disgraceful. It is proposed to erect the new buildings on Borough property near the Post Office, and when ratepayers realise that more than interest money will be derived from office rents proposed to be included in the new offices, they should not hesitate to approve of Foxton possessing Borough Chambers worthy of the name. Again, we say, ratepayers who have your own interests at heart, roll up to the Public Hall to-morrow evening, for business may be brisk !