WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1022, 12 November 1912, Page 3

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

PROPOSALS SHELVED.

WAITING FOR CHEAPER

MON

At last night’s Council meeting the following report was read from Mr H, W. Climie : “In accordance with instructions recently received from your Council I have the honour to submit herewith an amended report and estimate upon the high pressure water supply and sanitary drainage schemes, which I recommend for your town in December 1909. Both water and drainage schemes have been completely revised, both as regards design and cost. I find, except in the matter of one or two minor details, I can advise no change in the general design of the schemes. The question of installing crude oil engines of the Diesel type instead ot suction gas engines has been considered, but for engines of the comparatively small power required, at the present relative prices of coke and oil fuel, the gas engines would be more economical both as regards first cost and working expenses. In order to facilitate quick starting however, I would recommend that a connection be made from the town gas main to the engines, which supply would be cut oil as soon as sufficient producer gas had been generated. The engines and pumps would also be so arranged that either pump could be driven by either engine, thus still further reducing the possibility of a complete shutdown. As regards the cost, I find that owing to the increased cost of materials, particularly drainage pipes (which have greatly advanced in price), and to increased rate of wages, a further sum of ,£505 would be required to carry out the proposed water works, and a sum of ,£1992 would require to be added to my former estimate for sanitary drainage. The revised estimate o! cost would then be as follows —Water supply: Original estimate .£10,195, additional cost ,£505, . ,£10,700; sanitary drainage: original cost ,£8,600, additional cost ,£1,992, total ,£10,592 ; total costot proposed works ,£21,292. As regards the working expenses on engines and pumping plant, I consider that my original estimate of per annum is sufficient, this sum being made up as follows : —Wages ,£IBO, fuel ,£55, sundries total ,£260. If your Council wish to modify the proposed scheme, or desire further particulars, I shall be pleased to wait upon it and discuss matters with them.”

Referring to the original estimate Cr Greig said he didn’t think Councillors should so mislead the ratepayers as to allow Mr Climie’s figures in connection with the rate of interest at which money could be borrowed, to go before them. His estimate was based on five per cent., but it was impossible to get the money at so low an interest The lowest possible rate would be five per cent, and to this sinking, fund would need to be added. He was of opinion that before the proposal was again submitted to the burgesses the Council should find out where they could get the money from aud what rate of interest they would have to pay. He also considered that the estimate for working expenses was far too low.

Cr Adams considered that the increase of 25 per ceit. in the estimated cost of the drainage scheme should be enquired into. It seemed a very large increase indeed.

The Mayor said he was certain they could not borrow money at five per cent., it would cost, with sinking fund, at least 6to 6 l /t per cent. The working expenses would also be much greater than estimated, In private conversation with two engineers he had also been informed that the scheme as set out could not be completed for the amount estimated.

Cr Greig said it was not now possible to get money for the installation of water and drainage schemes from the Government. At present the only loans that would be granted by the Advances Office would be small ones for bridges and roads in the back blocks.

Cr Chrystall was of opinion that the time was inopportune to go in for a big scheme like the one suggested. Money was too dear at present. Cr Greig said that the total interest and sinking lund on the amount required would amount to fully as against estimated by Mr Climie, aud the working aud upkeep of plant would cost fully above the estimate.

Cr Speirs said the estimate for working expenses was no doubt a little on the low side, but in any case that was more a matter for the Council afterwards. Referring to the Mayor’s statement that an engineer had informed him that the work could not be carried out for the amount estimated, Cr Speirs said that one thing that the engineer in question might not have taken into consideration was the nature of the soil, which made it much easier and cheaper to lay the pipes, and also that there was a lall towards the south end ol the town that would obviate the necessity for any very deep drains. Both these would help to reduce the cost of the work. There was no doubt that the present was a very bad time to get money, and he did not think they should go further until they knew where they were going to get the money and what it was going to cost. He wouldn’t like to see it delayed too long but they should enquire about the money first.

Cr Adams agreed that they should first find out if they could get the money and the rate they

could get it for. He didn’t think they should burden the ratepayers with the additional rate of interest if by waiting they could later on get the money cheaper. Cr Greig said it bad beeu decided in the House that money should be loaned for pressing nt :s onlv —such as roads, bridges, etc. Only recently he had occasion to enquire for money in connection with another local body and the only offer : could W's fr^m the rhiujuc iiastce at 5 t-ci -~ent. plus £1 -3 6d per cent, sinking fund.

Gr Speirs thought that under the circumstances it was not advisable to go on with the scheme at present. He was of opinion that it would be a good thing to leave the matter over for the new Council, which would be elected in April next, to deal with. Cr Adams said it was a big loan and he didn’t think the borough could afford to get it until the price of money came down. He moved that the poll of ratepavers on the water and drainage scheme be held over until the Council can obtain money at a more reasonable rate of interest.

The motion was seconded by Cr Speirs and carried.

It was further decided ou the motion of Cr seconded by Cr Speirs, that Mr Climie be asked what would be the difference in cost of using steel spiral lapwelded pipes and cast iron pipes for waterworks.