WATER AND DRAINAGE SCHEME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 817, 26 February 1910, Page 2

WATER AND DRAINAGE SCHEME.

The loan proposals for a water and drainage scheme for the Borough were advanced another step last night when a meeting of ratepayers was held to discuss the subject. The principal objections were of a purely speculative nature. For instance the question was asked whether there was any guarantee that sufficient artesian water would be obtained. Unfortunately nature does not give us any guarantee but the present bores in the vicinity, are evidence of an unlimited supply. The artesian supplies in other more populous centres have been pouring out volumes of water for years without an}’- evidences of diminution. Of course it is impossible to say definitel3 r how long the subterranean water will last, but it is safe to assume that it will meet Foxtou’s requirements for many years to come- The matter of a breakdown in machinery is provided against by an auxiliary pumping plant. The analysis of the water has been previously dealt with in these columns and in the opinion of experts is well suited for domestic purposes. There were practically no other objections worthy of note and on the whole the meeting appeared to be favourable to the scheme.

The principal objection that has been raised to the water and drainage scheme, is that it will increase the rates. Of course it will but not to the extent that some people imagine. Besides, consider the benefits that such a scheme would confer on every household. Numbers of ratepayers are now paying 15s per year alone lor removal of nightsoil, when a few shillings extra will provide them with a healthy system, and a plentiful water supply for the household. Yet they would sooner sacrifice hygiene and perpetuate a stench round their back yards in order to save a few shillings a year—next year the pan tax will be raised to 17s 6d. It is for this reason that we have previously urged that there should be an amendment to the Municipal Corporations Act, making it compulsory for boroughs with a population of a thousand and upwards to instal efficient water and drainage. We are pleased to say that there are few boroughs in the Dominion of the same population as Foxton, who have not undertaken these important matters. However, there is ample time between this and the poll tor every ratepayer to make themselves acquainted with the subject, and record an intelligent vote. We are pleased to note that a number of influential ratepayers who previously looked at the scheme with a certain amount of diffidence, are now becoming its advocates. We agree with Cr Alex. Speirs, who stated at last night’s public meeting, that the scheme was a good one, suitable in every way to the borough, and that he had every confidence in it.