WATER SUPPLY FOR SHANNON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1018, 15 July 1911, Page 3

WATER SUPPLY FOR SHANNON.

A public meeting was held in the Druids’ Hall, Shannon, on Tuesday evening, to consider the matter of a water scheme for Shannon. Mr Gunning was voted to the chair. The chairman stated the objects of the meeting. He outlined what had been done so far in the search for a suitable supply. The Foxton people, he was informed, were well satisfied with the stream and place that had been fixed on. He (the chairman) stated Shannon’s proportion. Councillor Stephenson said he had accompanied the party. He was of opinion that Foxton would go in for the scheme whether Shannon joined or not. He was informed by the Mayor of Foxton that a fair proportion would be for Foxton to bear two-thirds of the cost and Shannon one-third. He thought the estimate of an expert should be obtained and this he thought was the first step. He was in favour of such a scheme being managed by a local body ; but if the ratepayers thought otherwise the County Council could act. Councillor Venn said it was a small meeting to deal with a large question. He thought that they should appoint delegates to meet those from Foxton and apportion the cost. He thought the cost would run into a penny or a penny farthing in the £ and considered the cost for the town would be about ,£8000; and if the suburbs were taken in, ;£i 0,000. He informed the meeting that the preliminary survey would require to be guaranteed. He thought the council would require a guarantee for preliminary expenses in case a loan failed.

The gross value of Shannon would be about .£78,000, and if some of the parts on the fringe were cut out the value would be about ,£70,000. The chairman pointed out that the fire rate was very high, and if the water was laid on it would make a considerable difference. Mr Carter moved that delegates be appointed to meet the Foxton delegates with regard to the survey aud report to a future meeting. This was seconded by Mr Murray, and carried. Messrs Venn, Stephenson, Gunning, Moynihan and Carter were appointed delegates to meet the Foxton delegates.

Mr Murdoch was elected secretary to the committee.

A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting. The meeting was unanimously of opinion that the council would act for the residents of Shannon, and it was not desirable to form a local body. After the meeting the chairman brought forward the hydro-electric scheme, and considerable discussion ensued. An interesting cutting was read by the chairman showing the wealth that could be produced by the power. Mr Gunning strongly pointed out the advantage of doing something towards making a further move in urging the matter forward. —Horowhenua Chronicle.