THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1908. A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9091, 16 May 1908, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1908. A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION.

The Mayor, Mr P. L. Rollings, has proved himself equal to an emergency at the very outset of Ins regime. At a special meeting of the Borough Council, yesterday evening, to consider the reports of Mr LaingMeason on the extension of the drainage and water systems, Hia Worship showed himself to be master of the situation, and his sensible suggestions met with the general approval of the Council. The result is that there is to be no more shilly-shally-ing with the question of sewerage extension, and the responsibility of saying aya or nay to the engineer's proposal is to be immediately thrown upon the ratepayer?. Such promptitude in a matter of such vital importance to the community is highly

commendable, and the Mayor deserves the thanks of the ratepayers for the admirable manner in which he has dealt with the subject. The ratepayers are to be called upon to say whether or not £30,000 shall be voted. This sum is in excess of that estimated by Mr Dobson and Mr Laing-Meason, but it is well to "make assurance double sure" in a work of such magnitude, for the surp'us need not be spent unless it is ultimately found necessary to spend it. The water scheme found less favour. It was pointed out by the Mayor that the No. 1 scheme, giving an ample supply at a cost of £9OO, could be covered out of revenue, and that there was no immediate need for a luxurious scheme —(No. 2) —at a cost of £IO,OOO. Some of the councillors, however, pressed for its consideration, and the Mayor, unwilling to throw any obstacle in the way, got it referred to a committee for consideration. If it is included in the loan schedule, it is unlikely that it will meet with popular approval. We have to compliment His Worship upon his foresight and tact in dealing with both questions.