Mayor Garrick Workman replies:

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 526, 8 March 1994, Page 4

Mayor Garrick Workman replies:

Your correspondent has it all wrong. I have no desire or any need to build expensive "memorials" during my term of office as Mayor, nor do I have any intention of being deposed. The only desire I have in this instance, is one of Raetihi and other communities in our district - particularly Taumarunui - receiving high quality water provided it is possible and

affordable to do so. Now we know what can be achieved using the ultraviolet method of disinfection it seems fair and reasonable to me that Raetihi is given an opportunity to decide whether or not it wishes to receive an improved water supply. No chlorine, no discolouration and no additives - just clear, fresh-tasting water all year round! This brings me to the second point ... Obviously there would need to be full public consultation about , and support for the project before any move was made to upgrade the Raetihi water supply. I don't believe there would be a significant cost involved in modifying the water treatment plant. After having drunk a considerable amount of Raetihi water in my time and now the water in Ohakune, I can assure your correspondent and other readers there is no comparison between the two. However, if Raetihi residents make it very clear there is no need or desire on their part to change the way their water is treated, then it won'thappen. On another matter entirely, raised by Mr Peter Bishop in last week's Bulletin, re. 'Dust Free Before Trees', I would make this comment:: the Council is convening a series of public meetings at which it will outline a capital upgrading proposal for the district' s roading network. Extending seal on "dusty" roads is the very issue being addressed by Council at present. One thing is certain - Council has no intention of lashing out on a $300,000 tree planting programme while there are so many other priorities to contend with.

Garrick Workman

Mayor