WAITOHI FLAT WATER SUPPLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1875, 6 April 1889, Page 3

WAITOHI FLAT WATER SUPPLY.

A meeting of settlers interested in the question of a water-supply for the Waitohi Plat was held on Wednesday evening in the Waitohi schoolroom. Mr John Praser occupied the chair, and invited Mr John Talbot, the convenor or the meeting, to explain the steps necessary to be taken, and the scheme generally. Mr Talbot said that the Waitohi Flat was the portion of the district into which the Geraldine County Council had first attempted to bring a water-supply. They had gone so far as to get reports as to its feasibility, cost, etc. They had not taken a poll because there seemed a great many settlers opposed to the scheme. It was therefore dropped for the time. He thought now that the proper time had .come to again move in the matter. The law on the subject was altered, and if the district desired the work could be carried out. The value of a water-supply would be apparent to all who had seen the Levels and Eangitata races. If it could he brought to Waitohi it would prove equally beneficial. This season the requirement of it had been felt much. Although people could arrange for a certain supply by means of dams, it was neither sufficient nor so good for stock. The dams got polluted, and were to a certain extent dangerous, especially to milking cows. To obtain a constant supply of fresh water by means of pumps, etc., would also be more expensive than to pay a water-race tax. When first thought of the Geraldine County Council had not got so far as to get the Government to lend money. Then a certain amount could be borrowed at the rate of 9 per cent, which would absorb principal and interest in 15 years. It was thought this would apply if the period could have been extended. Now under the “ Loans to Local Bodies Act ” money could be otained at the rate of 5 per cent., annual payments for a period of 26 years, extinguishing the original loan and interest. The charge for rating under this arrangement would not be more than half what it would have originally 1 been. Water supplies were now recognised facts. They were doing an immense amount of good. The Government could appropriate £200,000 per annum for local bodies: not only for water works, but for other public works, and it would be well to avail themselves of some of it. If the opinion of the meeting was favorable the proper course would be to take a poll. Everything was ready: plans were in existence, and little remained to be done, The poll would be taken in the same manner as for local bodies. The qualification would he based upon the amount of property held. Half of the people upon the roll must be in favor of the scheme. Mr Talbot then read the report made by the Council’s engineers in 1834, and submitted at a meeting afterwards _ held to discuss the subject, fine estimate then given would probably be decreased. It was certain that the cost

of maintenance would be less. Supposing the area included in the water supply district to be 8000 acres, the tax payable, including maintenance, would not exceed 80s per 100 acres. This amount-would maintain the race and repay the loan. Put in tnat light they could judge for themselves if the water would be worth the cost. He then read extracts from the Act dealing with the poll. When the Geraldine County Council decided to take a poll a meeting would hare to be held at which a member of the council, or someone appointed by them, would be present, and certain formalities would then be complied with. He also read extracts from the Local Bodies’ Loans Act, showing the method in which the money would be raised. To give them an opportunity to consider the matter he would move—- “ That the Geraldine County Council be asked to take a poll of the ratepayers of the Waitohi Plat Watersupply district in accordance with the Local Bodies’ Loans Act, on a proposal to borrow a sum of money sufficient to construct the necessary races to provide a water-supply for the district.” This was seconded by Mr Seaton. Very little discussion followed. Mr Talbot, in reply to question, said he had no doubt about the levels taken by the engineers. Water could be supplied to any paddock if it were returned to the race, and not allowed to go to waste, The County Council had power to make by-laws suitable to the district.

The motion was then put and carried.

Mr Talbot said that the chairman would forward the resolution to the County Council, but it would be in no way binding. The poll would decide if the scheme was to be carried out.

The meeting terminated with the customary vote to the chair.