THE WATER SUPPLY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5736, 18 August 1879, Page 2

THE WATER SUPPLY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. SIR, —In this morning’s issue of your paper there was a letter from Mr, Logan, containing some estimates of expenditure for the proposed Wainuiomata water scheme. Experience shows that the estimates of skilled engineers are generally largely exceeded in works of this kind. The estimated and actual cost of the present reservoirs give a very good example of this. Whatthen is the value of an unprofessional opinion ? Mr. Marchant the other night stated that the estimate was altogether too little. The question is not who is right, but has a proper and reliable estimate been made. If not, what guarantee is there that the cost may not be £200,000 ? This question should be first definitely settled ; aye, and settled on undoubted professional authority, before we are asked to commit ourselves to this loan. But I ask the ratepayers calmly and dispassionately to consider whether this scheme is at present necessary. The new reservoir, filled for the first time last summer, was to supply the wants of a population of 50,000. It was first filled in an exceptionally dry season ; as a consequence the first water was somewhat impure, and the depth in the reservoir decreased during the drought. But did it fail ? Was there ever more than a slightly restricted supply as a precautionary measure ? I contend the present reservoir has not had a fair trial. The fire has simply added to the present scare, but there was plenty of water stored at the time. It was only a question of some extra pipes. There was water for use if it could have have been availed of. Let us try the experience of another year or two before we condemn the present system that has imposed on us a rate of Is. in the £, and rashly incur an expenditure that may involve as much again or more. If this expenditure is a necessary adjunct to the drainage scheme, it shows that the drainage scheme should have been estimated at nearer £280,000 than £BO,OOO, and we must find some more inexpensive system of drainage. Let those who look for pecuniary benefit from this expenditure reflect that the bulk of it will go to foreign manufacturers for pipes. The working man will get but little benefit, except increased rent or taxes —benefit of a decidedly questionable character. If the present supply is insufficient in the future we can then take action. At present I contend that no necessity for this proposed large expenditure has been shown. Doubtless a few merchants having large stocks would get a direct beiiefit ; but are we as a whole to incur an additional tax to save them a little in the way of insurance 1 Experience shows that a plentiful water supply does not entail the establishment of industries, and the ratepayers Should not allow themselves to be led astray by any such belief. If there was a profit on the water supply last year, why was the water rate raised from 1 to 5 per cent., instead of being reduced. Let those ratepayers who require better information, and those who are doubtful, shake off their apathy and record their votes against it, and not allow themselves to be saddled with this additional taxation. Let them oppose the clamors of interested persons, or we shall ere long find ourselves weighed down'

with borough taxation, property will become much reduced in value, and rents at the same time be extravagantly high. We have New York as an example, where property has been simply sacrificed to pay the rate*. —I am, &c., A Ratepayer. August 15.