Sanitation at Papakura

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 290, 6 July 1917, Page 1

Sanitation at Papakura

[To the Editor j Sir-May I make a few remarks in reference to your inspired leading article re sanitation and the indignation meeting at Papakuia. It is quite evident to those interested that the writer was either not acquainted with the facts or else ignored the other side of the question altogether. When the Board introduced tne question of a sanitary service little or no objection was raised and the ratepayer were given to understand that the depot would be on a property .on Beach road about two miles from the centre of the township and not near Young's Beach, about half a mile away and in quite another direction, Are you aware, Mr Editor, that until the meeting at which ttie question of site was decided, with the exception of part of the Board, not a ratepayer knew that Young's Beach had even been thought of for this purpose ? That even after the mo-.t-some of the Board members did not know which was the exact position selected ? Can you tell me, Mr Editor, why the Board did not make proper application to the County Council for permission to use the Beach road site, instead of tliinhiny that the Council would object:' Why the Board did not accept Mr Campbell's proposal to defer consideration of Ifoung's Beach until the next meeting before finally deciding on that site, and thus allow the ratepayers to know the proposed change 'i There was really no need for such haste. One month, or even six months, would not havo caused harm to anyone, but it might have caused a change of site, which might not have suited some of those concerned. Why should the ratepayers be kept in the dark until after a question like this is settled . Surely they are entitled to some information beforehand. Will it surprise you, Sir, to hear that the legality of the above meeting of the Board may yet be challenged, as the hour of meeting was altered in a most irregular manner ? As to the meeting of thirty-seven poisons, whose opinion may not amount to much, 1 might say that it was called on thirty-tluee horns' notice, by moans of a couple of notices exhibited in the township, and a notice in that morning's "Herald," which was too late to i»e of much use. There is little doubt that but with sullicient notico the majority ol the ratepayers wmuM have been present, for I have ii"l ho.-trd of one person speaking in favour of the chosen hi'.c.- 1 am, etc, It. W. MEAHS. Papakura, 2nd July, 1017