WATER SUPPLY FOR SHANNON.

Shannon News, 22 December 1922, Page 3

WATER SUPPLY FOR SHANNON.

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. A POLL TO BE TAKEN. On Tuesday evening there was a fair attendance of ratepayers at the Maoriland Theatre, when the proposed scheme for a water supply for Shannon was placed before them by the Borough Council for consideration prior to taking a poll for the raising of a ioau of £13,000 for such work. .The Mayor (Mr Murdoch) presided. Mr Edwards, Borough Engineer, was also present. The Mayor, in opening the meeting, stated that when the first estimate of £13,000 was given, material was much higher than at the present time. He had asked the Engineer to give an estimate that would cover the scheme, | so that it would not be necessary to

come to the ratepayers for a further loan. The Council had thought it was a large sum, but on going into the matter thoroughly had found the'estimate was a safe one. At present the work could be done for £II,OOO. In regard to raising the loan, he said it was proposed to get it through the Government Lending Department, but

they could only advance £SOOO yearly. .That would make it necessary to secure the first advance before the end of the present financial year (March 31), and the second at the beginning

of next year. The rate of interest, would be 4} per cent, including sinking fund, and the loan would pay itself off in 36 years. The interest., on that would be £495 per annum, and worked out carefully on a present rating value of, say, £SOO, would be about £2 per annum for water. The rate struck would be! fd in the £1 on the rateable property in the borough, but only £d would be called up. He stated that a. good water supply was most essential if the’ town was to make progress, also the health of the community was to be considered, and insurance rates would be reduced. Industries would never start without a water supply, and he trusted all would give the question their favourable consideration.

Mr Edwards, Borough Engineer, said it was'not necessary for .him to make any lengthy reference to possible sources of supply he had previously investigated, ak he was. perfectly satisfied the supply obtained at the power-house was immeasurably superior to all other possible sources, and will provide an almost unlimited quantity of first-class water at a sufficient elevation to provide' a good working pressure. He stated there were two ways of securing water from this source: firstly by gravitation alone, and secondly by gravitation and pumping. He recommended the former, for which the service main will be laid on private property. He proposed to take the supply of water from the concrete conduit im.mediatelv beneath the power-house in steel 6in pipes to the concrete reservoir 3(\ chains, more ’ or less down stream. This was to be sunk partially in the ground, and from the reservoir to the corner of Stout and Grand Streets the water would go in an Bin steel pipe. From there it would be distributed as per plan of reticulation in the various streets. The concrete reservoir was to be roofed in with corrugated iron, the general dimensions to be 60 by 60 by 16 deep, provided with a 3ft midwall, with all the necessary valves for supply, stop, scouring valves and overflow. The site would be'"alongside the Shannon East Road. It would have a capacity of 157,000 gallons, which amount' of water was much greater than the inhabitants of Shannon would require for many years to come. He stated he was quite satisfied the scheme could be carried out for £II,OOO. He went on to say that Shannon offered special facilities for industries, and that if there was a good water supply it was a big inducement. From a health point of view, it was the bounden duty of every public body to see that there is a good water supply. He said in this borough be had tanks which are in a disgusting state. If the ratepayers decided on the water scheme, sewerage would follow, but it was impossible to. have it without a water supply, which would fead to prosperity,., and values would be enhanced immediately. Capitalists would not invest money in a town where a match could bum it down and nothing to prevent it. Questions were then invited. QUESTIONS. Mr Sinclair: You say the intake to reservoir will be. a 6in pipe and the going out an Bin. What is the reason for the difference in size? Mr Edwards: It is a matter of economy; if is not necessary. It is put in to get a good pressure in case of fire.

Mr Gunning: Can you give us a correct estimate of the cost? Mr Edwards: Yes. £10,997 11/3. Mr Gunning: Would the reduced cost in any way be detrimental to the supply?—No. It would be perfectly

satisfactory for three times the present population. Asked what the pressure at the head would be, the Engineer said it would be 1771 b, the weakest pressure being at top of "Stafford Street, where it. would be 1061 b. In the main part of the town, 701 b to the square inch. Mr Morgan: What are the professional fees in connection with the scheme?

The Mayor: I think it. is 5 per cent on the estimate.

Mr Morgan: Seeing we are to pay £550 to the Engineer, should like to know what, experience the, Engineer has had of similar work? Mr Edwards: Mr father was an engineer, and I have been one all my life. Anyhow, T think it is rather an impertinent question, and a reflection on the Council.

Mr Carter: I think it is a matter for the ratepayers to know, and Mr Edwards should be prepared to give an explanationThe Mayor: I don’t think Mr Edwards should be asked to give his credentials to the meeting. Mr Carter: It is a ratepayers’ meeting. Tt. is no reflection on the Council. We have a right to know. Mr Morgan: T don’t wish to cast a reflection on anybody. T don’t agree with Mr Edwards that my question is impertinent. We are ratepayers and have a right to know. Mr Edwards .said he.had carried out a. scheme under the Kairanga County Council, which in many respects was the same. He said he did not object to the question being asked, but in all his life he had not heard such a question asked, and as long as the Council were satisfied he did not intend to brag about himself. Mr Morgan.-.ln taking rny question as 'impertinent, you 'havje not answered to the satisfaction of the ratepayers.

Mr Edwards: I have done similar works on different occasions, but I am not going to stand here answering such questions, as I consider' it is only obstruction.

Mr Morgan (to the chairman): How many engineers have been consulted on this scheme? The Mayor: No others.

Mr Morgan then moved, and Mr I Downes seconded: “That this meeting of ratepayers decided that before a poll is taken a consulting engineer who has installed similar works <■> other towns be asked to report on tl 0 scheme.” Mr Carter: I think Mr Edwards would be the first to*"be pleased if bis opinion is • confirmed.

Cr. Murray: I think we are a. bit out of order, I certainly think a vo‘e of the ratepayers should be taken before spending £SO in getting Mr Fidwards’ scheme confirmed.

Cr. Gardner: It is a'simple scheme. The Council have been over the ground, and they are quite satisfied is no other. It is only a wartcof time and money in getting the opinion of an outside engineer. Cr. Fargher: Other towns have had engineers after engineers reporting on schemes, and have nearly always proved a loss to the community. Cr. Hyde: This scheme is so simple it is almost impossible to go wrong Mr B. Spencer: I think a wrong impression has come about. Ratepayers want the wfoter, but they want to be cautions, and we are only a sm.ill community.

Cr. Spencer: Ratepayers want to. know what they are to pay. Mr Carter: What would the rate be on £IOO per acre farm land? The Mayor: It would be Id in the £1 at a-half rate, which would be 12.Jd per acre.

Cr. Hyde then moved the following amendment, which was seconded by Mr FI. Hook-“ That the ratepayers being satisfied with Mr Edwards’ scheme, a poll be taken immediately to raise the necessary money.” On the amendment being put to the meeting it was carried. Mr Carter: I am sorry the amendment has been rushed through. We want.water, but if put to the electors it will be lost. \

THE MAYOR EXPLAINS. 'To the Editor.) ' Sir,—At the public meeting held to consider the water scheme, it was quite evident to me that, after much explanation, many were unable to grasp the proposal for raiing in connection therewith. In the first place, the money must be raised as a special loan, and for this loan a rate ha* to be. pledged as security. This rate (§d in the £1) need not necessarily be called up as long as any other authorised money can be found to pay the interest on the loan. In this case it. is oply proposed to callup one. .farthing in the £l, and for the balance of the inierest to proceed under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920, by

way of a water rate. The standard of Ihis rale is 6 per cent on the annual rental value (the annual rental value is 6 per cent on the capital value as it appears on the borough

roll). Example: A house valued at £SOO on lire borough roil would have an annual rental value of £3O. £3O at 6 per cent equals £l 16 0 Rate (first riientioned) 10 5 Total .!. ... ... £2 6 5 The Act makes a number of exceptions and creates reductions lor ordinary buildings (not. being dwellings), lands and buildings that could be supplied, and do not takfi the water, etc., are to be charged half rates, as example:— \ Land value £3OOO equals £JBO annual value. £IBO at 6 per cent ... £lO 16 0 Hall of £lO 16/ .' 5 8 0 id rate on £3OOO ...... 3 2 6 Total £8 16 6 Provision is also made under the Act that where the annual value does i not exceed £l2 10/ (capital value 2210) the rate shall not exceed 10 f per annum. • „ - Extraordinary supply can' be fixed by by-law. II this information will clear a way any misunderstanding, I will be glad. If any ratepayer has still a doqbt 1 will be glad to give him all the information in my power. —I am, etc., WM. MURDOCH. ( Shannon, December 20, 1922.

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS NOT SATISFIED.

COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE

In referring to the meeting at the Borough Council last night,' the Mayor said that the resolution of the ratepayers was that a poll on the matter should be taken immediately.

Cr. Gardner said lie did not think the scheme had been properly pm forward at the meeting. He was sure there was a number present who had not grasped the particulars. Ratepayers wanted it made clear what rates they would have to pay, how the properties would .be classified, ami proper details given,' and unless these points were made clear the scheme would be defeated.

The Mayor: They were given examples of what rates they would have, to pay and how. the land would be classified.

Cr. Gardner: Not in a satisfactory way. ■ /

Cr. Murray: If we talk for a.week we will be no further advanced, in my opinion the meeting was out of order. The first vote p'ut to the meeting should have been.- Were ratepayers in lavou'r of a water scheme, and if agreeable, a vote should have been taken as to whether the opinion of an outside consulting engineer should b,e obtained.

Cr. Hyde: 1 don’t think any of us can deny it is a cheap scheme. There is a certain section who will oppose, no matter wliat is done, and 1 Tiiiik we should take a poll as resolved by the meeting. 1 ' Cr. Spencer: '1 am opposed to Cr. Hyde. As a body of men Lam sure we don’t understand it. 1 think a committee should go into every detail and put the matter fairly to the people. They want To know what it is going to cost. No one seems clear. . Cr. Gardner; We want some scheme where we can have a water late for each house and not have to rate on Hie land.

The Mayor: You cannot charge on the house;_ it must he on the capital value.

Cr. Spencer: We are barking up file wrong tree. We have given the ratepayers no information as to maintenance, sinking fund, etc. We have only discussed the interest part of it. Tiie Council then decided to go into committee to try and overcome me position, as a result of which Cr. Murray moved, and Cr. Spencer seconded, “That a committee be .set up lo go into lull particulars oi water scheme in borough, and finances, and report at''next meeting of Council, lo tie held on Tuesday, January 9.” The following committee was then set up: The Mayor and Crs Fargher, Spencer, Gardener and Murray. .