THE RANGITATA WATER SUPPLY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XVIII, Issue 4220, 18 June 1897, Page 2

THE RANGITATA WATER SUPPLY.

Public Meeting- at lluapuna

From Our Own Correspondent

A largely attended meeting was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday to discuss the question ot tapping the Rangitata river for an increased water supply for the district. The County Council was represented by Messrs E. G. Wright, Harper, and Herring; together with Mr Baxter, the Counpil'a engineer. Mr Wright was voted to the chair, and explained, among other things, that the eugiueer had prepared a map, showing the various sections to be benefited by the proposed scheme, and giving an acreage of 14,000, which would be reuueed to 9000 in the event of the Limestone creek poriion being excluded. The cost of the scheme would require, in the former case, a rate of sixpence an acre, and in the latter case it would mean a rate of ninepence. The engineer went into the matter still further, and in reply to questions named the fourteen owners of sections, exclusive of village settlers, who would benefit by the increased water supply, and stated that the proposed water rate district would absorb the, whole of the water provided. Mr E. Taylor, aa one of those interested, thought the acreage might be increased to 19,000, and considered that the amount proposed to be »pent in storing wa'er on the Limestone cteek might be much better spent on this increased water supp y.

Mr Harper pointed out, what wa.-j perhaps little known, that the debt of this district incurred in providing the present water races, had beea paid off; and it was just possible that the Council nr.ight be induced pi reduce the water rate charge, say from ninepence to sixpence a chain. But it was not to be supposed that the Council would give anything like a grant of £1500 for the purpose. There seemed to be a strong feeling on the part of those interested that a rate of sizpence an acre was out of the question, and ultimately, on the motion of Mr E. Taylor, the meeting was adjourned, Mr Taylor stating that the settlers would hold a meeting of" them elv&s, ajjd draw up a statement Bhowjng how jt'ar each wats prepared to go in tjfse matter of rating, such statement fco be forwarrted fc.o f:hg GpunciL '

The **hlial VBt» of thanlfa was papsed to the chairman aou" T' 10" oUie*s with him as representing the Couno..,' thg meeting terminated.