Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1920. WATER AND DRAINAGE POLL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2168, 26 August 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1920. WATER AND DRAINAGE POLL.

THE ratepayers of Foxl.m have about a fortnight in which to make up their minds as to whether they will support (he water and drainage loan of £3(1,000. The poll takes place on Wednesday, September Bth. The total number of ratepayers entitled to vote is approximately GOO, a fair percentage of whom are absentees. Possibly, about 400 may be relied upon to record (heir voles, and upon a decision of a bare majority of that number Hie issue rests. If the general franchise applied to the loan proposal (hen it is safe to say that it would be carried by an overwhelming majority. Yet, surely Foxton can muster 250 out of the GOO 'who have sufficient interest in the welfare of (he community to view the matter apart from a mercenary standpoint. If the loan proposal is rejected on this occasion, il is probable that the Health Department will be compelled to take a hand, and in that case the work will have to be undertaken, independent, of the wishes of a majority of the ratepayers. Sufficient evideuee wou!?l 1m qniekly furnished to compel this coarse of action. For the sake of the town’s reputation, however, we hope this course may not be necessary. Th cto is a look of interest and enthusiasm in the, •proposals, which may or may md mean opposition. Expressed opposition is on the ground of increased rates. But the advantages and enhanced property values that would accrue as (he result of a water and drainage scheme would more than compensate owners of property. Besides, ratepayers are not asked to repay the capital cost m a lump sum. Posterity will take its share, and in the meantime householders will reap ihe direct benefits of the installation. Wo are pleased to report that several large ratepayers whose properties will not receive a direct benefit, are prepared to support the loan from a humanitarian and health point of view, but there are others again who will oppose anything when it loindies (heir pocket. The increased rates will mil impose any undue hardship upon any one, and it is hoped (hat common sense, backed by a true spirit of citizenship, will result in the poll being curried.