Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1920. WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2162, 12 August 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1920. WATER AND DRAINAGE.

A RATEPAYER who is not in the proposed borough water and drainage area called upon us yesterday and staled that he objected to he saddled willi the loan rate willimit receiving any direct benefit. He said he was now compelled to pay a gas rale aiid derived no benefit from the gas, yet the gas had been supplied to some consumers out of the borough area who paid no rate. We agree that it does not: appear equitable that 1 Ik.* whole borough should he rated for a service which does not confer erpial and direct benefits on all. hut if (he water and drainage service is to lie extended over the whole borough the loan would require to he doubled, which could not lie justified, owing to the sparse and scattered residences in outlying parts. In any ease, the whole borough must he pledged as security for the loan, and those without the area will he relieved hy the special rate to he paid by those within tin 1 proposed area. Apart from this, it must not he forgotten that the scheme will confer an added value In,all properties within the borough, and the maxim of the “greatest good to the greatest number” must obtain. The same apparent inequality exists in connection with loans for public works and conveniences in almost every mnnieipalily, and ihose who do not benefit dir<ctly do so indirectly. In reference to the gas matter, referred to by our interviewer, we are informed that those gas consumers outside the borough paid for the connections with lhe main, and presumably are •responsible, for maintenance, so ihai the Council henelils hy the increased gas consumption and added icvenne. We believe a large majority of ratepayers will realise the necessity for sanctioning the water and drainage loan for no other reason than conserving the health of the eommnnilv.