The Waipukurau Press. Friday, August 10, 1906. TOWN RESERVES.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 10 August 1906, Page 2

The Waipukurau Press. Friday, August 10, 1906. TOWN RESERVES.

We feel sure the action of Mr Chambers, chairman of the Town Board, in endeavoring to Secure certain waste lands on the edge of the river for a public reserve, will commend itself to the residents of Waipukurau. Mr Chambers has been working quietly in this direction for some time past, and there is every reason to believe that his efforts to secure this strip of land will meet with success. At present the land is unsightly, and generally made the dumping-ground of refuse of different kinds, but were it" vested in a responsible body they would see to it that it was kept clear of such things ; besides which, a plantation of shady trees, with improvements in the way of walks would provide an excellent resort in the summer mouths. The town is not too liberally endowed with reserves.

and as population increasas their need will be greatly felt. An excellent plantation of trees exists on the terrace over-looking the town. It is said that this will be shortly sub-divided for resideutal sites. That means the beautiful growth of trees will vanish, and instead will be found terraces of houses. This is by lio means visionary. We feel that the townspeople ought to make an effort to secure a portion of this plantation for a public reserve. Situated practically in the heart of the town, two or three acres would make an excellent town gardens. Unless action is taken in this matter very shortly the opportunity will have passed and the loss only realised when it is too late. We commend this matter to the consideration of the Town Board. * THE LIGHTING QUESTION. # The question of town-lighting has entered upon another phase. The poll taken to instal the Kitson light for street purpose gave a good majority in favonr of the proposal. It was thought when the 20th Century Gas Co. came along that it was very doubtful whether the poll would be carried, and it is practically certain that the original proposals would have been defeated had the proposals which are now made by the Company been put before the ratepayers, but the latter, having practically made up their mind upon the matter were not to be thwarted at the last moment.

While the Town Board intend to go through the necessary procedure to carry out the wishes of the ratepayers, it is quite evident from the feeling of the members of the Town Board that they are not wedded to the Kitson light, but are quite prepared to take further evidence before they finally commit themselves to a scheme which might prove an hindrance to them in lighting the town later on. This evidence will be laid before the Board on the 16th August, when, no doubt, a final decision will be arrived at. No delay will, therefore, take place, for the necessary procedure prescribed by law cannot be gone through in that time. No fault is found with the Kitson light. It is generally admitted that the Kitson light is by far the best light for streeet purposes, but there is a growing opinion in the town that the time is rife for the installation of a system of lighting. Business men are wanting better light, and owners of private houses are dissatisfied with their illuminants. For these purposes the Kitson light is of no use, being purely a street light-

The monopoly demanded by the 20th Century Gas Co. of ten years spoiled their chances of success in the first place. It has become generally recognised in New Zealand that town lighting is part of the function of the local corporation, and towns which have disposed of this portion of their birthright have eventually had to pay a pretty long sum to again get; possession of their lawful rights. Were it necessary many instances could be given where boroughs have had to pay a heavy price for monopolies granted. It has been shown that these institutions have made their business at the expense of the public in the way of exhorbitant charges for the light. With the profits from these high rates business has been extended and eventually the local authorities have had to pay a heavy premium to get rid of the companies. This fact has evidently been noted by our townspeople, who were prepared to do without town lighting than allow a monopoly to enter the field. However, the 20th Century Gas Co. have made overtures to the Town Board, offering to allow the town to acquire the right of installing the light under the control of the Board. It is this proposal and the very favourable terms which have been offered which has caused our City Fathers to consider the question carefully before finally committing therpselves. The result of the information which will practically decide the matter will be awaited with interest. It will generally be ad mitted that the Town Board are only considering the interests of the town in this matter, their only desire being to see the best thing done.