THE DRAINAGE PROPOSALS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 178, 13 March 1914, Page 2

THE DRAINAGE PROPOSALS.

Deputation to Council. Suggest Rating Over Whole Borough A Conference to be Held. Messrs K. F. Webster, J. T. Stembridge, W. S. Russell, W. H. Fausett, F. Perkins. H. Dell, F. Jackson, C. Cooper, C. W. Lodge, E. Steverson and H. Curd constituted a depatation which waited on the Cou r cil to protest against the Council's decision to restrict the rating area for the drainage loan. Mr W. S. Russell was the Hrst speaker. He said the deputation had strong objections to the proposed area. If it was argued that the town should have drainage because it would benefit the town then it was only fair that it should be over the whole bDrough. He claimed that a clean and healthy town was to the benefit of those outside the area as much as those within. Assuming an epidemic broke cut in the centre of the town through insanitary conditions people residing outside were just as liable to be attacked as those ineid?. If drainage minimi'ed the iisk then the whole borough would benefit and should pay. He complained that the roll was incorrect and gave two illustrations.

The Mayor: That is nothing to do with the Council. The values are fixed by the valuer. Mr Russell, resuming, recommended the Council to take the Doll over the whole area.

Mr J. T. Stembridge wished it to be understood thit the deputation was not antagonistic to the Council nor opposed to drainage, but he contended that to impose the burden of bearing the cost of a scheme on the urta suggested would be inequitable. He complained that the plan was misleading, inasmuch as if there was not enough money the portions marked with dotted lines would not be gocc on with. This should be made perfectly clear to ratepayers. He had noticed that only three councillors were in the smaller area; the others were outside.

The Mayor: We don't want any insinuations. If you start that you had better go outside.

Mr Stembridge, continuing, said he had no wish to be personal or to make insinuations, but the fact remained. If the Council held that drainage was a necessity, and that the community would receive a benefit, then the whole community should pay for it. He contended that the sale yards should have been included in the area.

Cr Hamilton pointed out that the cost of draining them would be too great. There were ro complaints about the yards. Mr Stembridge did not agree with there being no complaints, and con* eluded by hoping the Council would grant the deputation's requests. Mr R. F. Webster said ho favoured the drainage scheme and held it was essential for the public health that it should be carried out. He considered a mistake was being made in confining the cost to a small area. It was said that those who benefited most should pay. At first sight this might appear right, but on reflection it would be obvious that any infection arising in the congested area would affect the whole borough. It might be said that the Council had no right to place the one rate over the borough, but they must remember that the residents of the business area paid more in proportion than those residing outside. Though where he resided waa without the area he was perfectly willing that his property shoulJ be included and he believed there were a great many others who would be prepared to bear their share of the burden. He was an old man now but he asked the younger people to consider the health of their children and themselves and carry the scheme so that all might benefit from their progi:ssive action. He concluded by expressing the opinion that if the Council reconsidered the area there would he a far better chance of carrying the scheme.

The Mayor held that notice of motion would have to be given t3 rescind the resolution determining the area. Until this was passed discussion could not be allowed. Cr Hamilton asked for permission to make a few suggestions. He was very pleased to listen to the deputation's views and if it was possible he would like some of the members to meet the Council later and talk over the matter from all side*. The Council were putting the cost over the area most likely to carry it. He was convin:ed that drainage was cheaper than any system ot night soil. A great deal was said about getting the outsiders in, but it had to be remembered the outsiders had to be agreeable. If he chose, supposing he was included in the area, he could get out of it by going to court and objecting on the ground that he was deriving no benefit. An "Outsiders' Association" might be formed. He deprecated any effort to set "outsiders" against "insiders," and urged tne borough to work together. He hoped a meeting such as he suggested could be arranged. "Then if you people have sufficient interest to prevent the scheme being cirried and vou don't want it, we'll drop it; or if you want a r.ißht soil eervice instead we will give you that."

A member of tne deputation: We don't want that. Cr Patterson: You'd better drop tbe whole scheme. The Mayor: No fear. Cr Patterson gave notice to aove that any further action in regard the drainage be dropped. Cr Bilkey spoke in favour of Cr Hamilton's suggestion. The wbole trouble was the borough was too big, and with so many farmers in there was not much chance of carrying the scheme. Personally, he was prepared to pay on his houses but Dot on the capital value of his farm. Cr Hamilton moved. That a special meeting be held on Wednesday night to talk over the whole question "inside and outside,'' and to try and come to some arrangement, and that Messrs Webster, Russell. Dell and Stembridge be asked to attend. Cr Bilkey seconded the resolution, which was carried.