WATER SUPPLY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 864, 12 July 1910, Page 3

WATER SUPPLY.

THE SHANNON SCHEME

SHELVED

At last night’s Council meeting the petition from ratepayers asking that a report and estimate ot the cost of a water supply from the Shannon hills be procured, was brought forward for discussion.

Cr Robinson, who presented the petition, said that when the poll was taken on the artesian scheme it had been stated that artesian water was no good for household purposes. After the poll a large number of ratepayers had stated that they**’ would support the Shannon scheme, as they knew that by getting the water from there they would get good water. He moved that the Council obtain an estimate as to the cost of procuring a water supply from the Shannon hills.

The Mayor said that accordicg to the letter read from Mr Climie, he was prepared to furnish an estimate on the cost for the sum of £25. If it was decided to get an estimate for this scheme it should be a most comprehensive report, showing cost of water-shed area, dams, etc., in fact everything necessary for establishing a supply from the Shannon hills. Cr Adams asked how many names were on the petition, because if there was only a few names on it he did not think the Council should consider it. They all appreciated the fact that this Shannon scheme was only a red herring drawn across the scent at the time the last poll was taken. At that time they voted out a ,£20,000 scheme, so it was not feasible they would now carry a loan ot ,£30,000 tor the same purpose. He contended, therefore, that unless there was a reasonable number of names on the petition it should not be considered. Cr Stewart said that in order to prove to the ratepayers that the artesian scheme was the best and cheapest they should get the estimate of the cost of the Shannon one. The ratepayers would then go back to the one they had previously voted out. Cr Speirs said he could not support the motion. He did not think that the present Council had any right to do anything further in the matter of a water supply. The scheme they had brought forward had been thrown out, and he considered that as far as the present Council was concerned that settled it. A number of ratepayers who opposed the scheme at the last poll were now prepared to support it, and he was of opinion that if another poll was taken the loan would be sanctioned. He referred to the increase in rates that would have taken place if the artesian scheme had been carried, and contended that all would have been increased, whether large or small property owners. The Shannon scheme was too great, and he did not believe in' tampering with a scheme which they knew was beyond their reach. The Mayor said that sooner or later they would have to procure an estimate for a water supply from Shannon as he did not think the ratepayers would be satisfied until they had got all the particulars possible. However, he thought it would be better to leave it over until a little later on —a few months —as the matter of the purchase of the gas works was now under consideration and it would be better to take one thing at a time, and if the purchase of the works did not come off the present resolution could then be very well passed. Cr Robinson, in reply, said that he did not think that the question of the purchase of the gasworks would make any difference, because if it is decided to purchase the works it will be necessary to show the people that the rate struck as security tor the loan would not be aollected. Cr Adams had mentioned that the Shannon scheme was a red herring drawn across the scent at the time of the last poll. He had in his possession—he had not brought it with him because he did not know this matter was coming up—a post card sent by Mr Heunessy just before the poll on the water and drainage scheme was taken, to a ratepayer residing outside of Foxton advising him to come down and vote against the loan because if it was carried he (the ratepayer) would have to pay an additional ,£7 per year in rates. As a matter of fact his rates would have been reduced—not increased —if the loan had been carried. This was the kind of red herring that had been drawn across the scent. In the case of any future poll he intended to move that the Council should send a circular to every ratepayer showing exactly the rates at present paid and those that would have to be paid if the loan were carried.

The motiou ou being put was lost. Crs Robinson, Stewart and Gibbs voting lor it, and the Mayor and Crs Kimmer, Adams and Speirs opposing it. The Mayor said his reason for opposing it was that he thought it would be better to leave it over for a little time. It could be brought forward again later on.