PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1210, 19 February 1914, Page 3

PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY.

MEETING OF SHANNON residents. “NEVER GET A BETTER OFFER.” A meeting of those interested in the Foxton-Shannon water supply scheme was held in the Druids Hall, Shannon, on Tuesday. There was a good attendance. The chairman, Mr T. Lind, said some few months ago a meeting had been called by Mr Stansell and a committee had been set up to consider a scheme for a high pressure water supply for Shannon. The committee had engaged Mr Suggale, who had also been employed by the Foxton Borough Council. Mr Suggate had submitted a report, the substance of which had been already published. A conference had been held between Shannon and Foxton, and Foxton had agreed to bear twothirds of the cost, leaving Shannon to bear one-third of the cost of the headworks and main to Shannon, but that the cost of a catchment area should be borne equally. It was for the meeting to say whether they approved of what the committee had done. Mr J. R. Stansell, senr., read a memorandum from the Leviu Borough Council as to the water < _ .. .. t „. C /* a ht i-tta

rates. A property of ,£SOO m the borough was rated at £2 2s ; outside the borough about £2 12s 6d. The maximum rate charged to farms was ,£4 per annum. Mr Venn thought that if Shannon wanted water they would never get a better offer. He had often been struck by the urgent need of a water supply for Shannon. The creeks were frequently polluted. The present scheme would cost about id in the £ if they went in with Foxton, and nearly twice as much if Shannon went into it alone. They should strengthen the hands ot those who wished to carry the poll in tonIn answer to Mr Moynihan, the chairman said that the cost to Shannon of headworks and main would be ,£2,600. Mr S. W. Carter thought they should make their minds up whether they wanted the water or

not, 1 He did not think they would ever get a better offer, and proposed “That this meeting of Shannon ratepayers heartily accept the Foxton proposal as submitted to the committee.” Mr J. R. Stansell seconded the motion. Mr Gunning spoke strongly in favour of the proposal. The liability of creek water becoming polluted (which Mr Venn had referred to) showed the necessity for obtaining a supply of pure water, such as could be got under the present scheme. Mr G. N. Stephenson had some doubts as to the County Council having the power to construct waterworks. He handed in an opinion on the subject by the County Clerk, which stated that the powers of the County Council

were restricted. The chairman had no doubt that all difficulties could be got over by an Order-in-Council. After some remarks by Mr Venn, Messrs Carter and Stansell withdrew their resolution. Mr Venn proposed “That this meeting of Shannon ratepayers is willing to accept the Foxton Borough Council’s proposal regarding the water supply, and will use its best efforts to get a poll crrrled for the necessary loan should Foxton decide to go on with the works.” Mr Gunning seconded the motion, which was carried without a dissentient voice. In answer to Mr Moynihan, the chairman explained that Mr Suggate had estimated a water supply scheme for Shannon alone at ,£6,000, while for Foxton and

Shannon together, with larger pipes and higher level, it would cost ,£B,OOO. It would be most unfair to expect Shannon to pay more than oue third. Mr Venn said 25 per cent, would be a fair proportion for Shannon. After some discussion on other matters the meeting terminated, with a vote of thanks to the chairman.