OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1940, Page 7

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

PLANNING AND WATER SUPPLY. (To the Editor.) Sir. —Masterton being the home town of the esteemed president of the New Zealand Municipal Association, who is also a member of the National Town Planning Board, it is natural that we should have heard more of the advantages and necessity for planning than other urban areas. Although the writer confesses he has never had the privilege of reading a thesis or listening to a lecture on the above subject—he imagines it to be simply the scientific arrangement of community services and interests and always with the needs of posterity in mind. The pioneers, whom we so fittingly honoured recently, knew nothing of the above science, substituting, however, plain, homely, common sense. In view of our avowed admiration fur their virtues is it possible for us to practise them in relation to the burning question of . an improved water supplv? What are the facts?

Forty years ago, these pioneers, in their wisdom, deemed than a 10-inch water main was not too much for a population of approximately 3500. In the year 1914 some fourteen years later, that 'number had increased by over.7o per cent, and as is now the case —the supply of water was inadequate for current needs. With an eye to the wants of posterity, and a courage which we admire but cannot, or will not emulate, those local statesmen increased lhe local supply by over 100 per,cent. From the year 1914 to 1940 the population of Masterton had increased by over 80 per cent in 26 years. Now, Sir. this is the present glaring] anomaly—although our population has increased by 80 per cent, in 26 years, it is calmly suggested that a 30 per cent, increase of water will be sufficient for the next three decades. Again, this 30 per cent, increase is only an hypothetical estimation, and if realised to the maximum will only prove to be sufficient for current needs. A 30 per cent, increase will only permit an additional six or seven hours’ hosing, if conditions obtain in the future as in "the past. Personally. I don’t think residents would thank the council for another seven hours’ dribble. What of the future? According to the facts, the most sanguine hope one could possibly entertain is the infinitesimal legacy to posterity of an additional two inches of water, which, according to present indications, will have to satisfy the requirements of our population, of 14,000 by the year 1966. The present proposals have no appearance of a plan--rather they suggest that this town has reached its zenith —and will either stagnate, or what is worse, retrograde.—l am, etc. CYRIL R. GOUDGE. Masterton. April 3.