OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 November 1939, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

OUR WATER SUPPLY (To the Editor.) Sir—As a hardy annual, the question of the Borough water supply crops up every dry summer and the ratepayers are penalised for using something which belongs to them. Our water supply has been filched from us by the rate dodgers who live in Lansdowne and on the boundaries of the Borough. Lansdowne and its residents had there own supply and would not contribute to the installation and costs of the Borough water system. When their rough and ready water supply was condemned by the Health Department they begged for connecting pipes across the Waipoua Bridge, and like a thirsty child, have been squealing ever since for more water; when in the first instance they dodged the burden of rates. They are a tough crowd, those Lansdownites. “Something for nothing” should be their motto. Now, the second line of rate dodgers, who live just on the boundaries; the same motto applies to them. They live and want the amenities of the town and their supply of water is metered. They please themselves how much they use and how much they pay. "Sitting pretty,” they have prior right of usage while the ratepayers are spied upon for using water which belongs to them. Yesterday’s "Times-Age” gives an announcement of a ten thousand loan. The councillors were unanimous with the loan. One councillor with Hitler ideas wants the loan passed without the consent of the ratepayers. Another suggests or demands —strike now for the money while the apparent shortage of water is more noticeable. What nerve, and how their opinions are moulded by a master mind to say “aye.” In the same news I notice that £l2O has been given away in three separate sums. It is time to curb councillors who sanction throwing away money (not theirs) miles out of town and hope to fritter £lO,OOO on spring cleaning water mains which are too small in diameter for the flow. A Ratepayers’ Association is needed to check the ever-burdening rate of Masterton. —I am, etc.,

RATEPAYER. Masterton. November 23.