THE WATER AREA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 23, 14 August 1912, Page 4

THE WATER AREA.

Extension Proposal Declined Although the weather was desperately bad on the evening of the mooting, 'some eighteen ratepayers braved the rain and the wind and tho mud in order to discuss the proposed extension of the Pukekohe water area. The Mayor (Mr W. Dunn) presided. Mr Suggate's report showing extensions in detail (and fully reported in the Times of July 10) was read. The total estimated cost of the extensions was £2,460. Tho Mayor explained that these outside ratepayers were not askod to come in, but tho particulars were submitted in order that they might say whether it was worth their while to come in. Mr B. Wilkinson askod if they came in whether they would have to pay tho same rate as tho town ? Tho Mayor: Yes. Mr Wilkinson: And yet we only havo an inch supply ! Cr. Hamilton explained if those extensions were of 4in mains the cost would be throe times as much. The Mayor said Mr Suggato estimated that this proposed service would do for live yoars. Cr Pollock said Mr Suggato made it quito clear that the ono-inch sorvice would not bo satisfactory. Mr Pottor reckoned that £13,000 would cost £OSO interest, which meant

rathor over Ad rate. lie thought the water would cost too much at that. Tho Town Clork said the valuation was £36G,00<), and id rate would produce £762. Mr Potter said ho could put water ' on his place much more cheaply thau i if he paid this proposed rate. ' Mr Wilkinson : Assuming that we i don't come in what will we have to ; pay ? The Mayor said the Town Board arrangement was for Is 3d per lOOOgals inside tho area, and Is 9d outside. lie did not see how the supply would be self-supporting in the immediate ; future unless somo industries started. | The Town Clork : I received a lettor to-day from tho Kail way Departmeut ' saying they wore going to erect watering tanks in Pukokohe, and asking what the charge woidd be. Mayor : That is the best news we havo had about tho water supply so far. Mr Wilkinson said his water rates at Ad would come to about £lO a year, and then he would have to pay 1 s 3d for every lOOOgals ho wantod. Mr Pol tor moved, That the matter bo hold in abeyanco at present. Mr L. J. Bayly seconded. Mr Brownloe said he would like the water, but he did uot like tho proposed service. Tho Mayor: You can have a biggor sorvico by paying for it; and of that paying, of course, the existing area would have to pay its share. Or. Johns said thos9 in the area, who are bearing a big burden, would be bound to fix such a rate for supplying the water to outsiders as would pay them. lie felt inclined to risk sharing the burdeu and come in now. Mr Bayly : When will you know if you havo sulhcient water ? Mr Potter : The iirst dry summer. The Mayor : Do you think it would avail anything to postpone this meeting for a fortnight, for further consideration ? The rain was pelting on tho roof at this stage. Mr Potter (looking upwards): It's no use talking to them about water now; there's too much of it about. Wait till tho summer. Or. Johns proposed, as an amendment, That tho meeting adjourn for a fortnight for further consideration. There was no seconder to tho amendment, and Mr Potter's motion was carried.