NORTHCOTE WATER CHARGES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 89, 15 April 1913, Page 8

NORTHCOTE WATER CHARGES.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Mr. B. Van Veen, dn his letter in your issue of the 11th inst., explaining the resolution adopted at the last 'meeting of the Council having for its object the compulsory installation of meters for the water supplies, carefully refrains from any reference to the Council's suggestion to charge ratepayers- £3 10/ for each connection. This matter has been engaging the Council's attention for some little time past, and it was at first proposed to include all services (even ordinary domestic supplies) in the compulsory metering system, but owing to the opposition of a minority of the Council this was dropped for the present, but is included in tlie ultimate goal aimed at. With regard to the charges adopted of 1/6 per 1,000 gallons, plus cost of meters and connections (with a minimum of 7,000 gallons half-yearly), how does this compare with the reduced price charged for the last half of 1912, viz., 1/ per 1,000 gallons (with a minimum of £1 for the half-year) ? Again, 1 Mr. Van Veen states: "All ordinary supplies for domestic purposes remain as at present rates," but this is manifestly incorrect, as the Council (though I recently moved at two different meetings to do so) refused to fix charges at present for the current year, 3J months of which are spent, and the accounts are supposed to go out half-yearly, and be paid in advance. Mr. Van Veen was present, and voted with the majority against, my notice of motion to again fix the ordinary charges at the-reduced 1912 rates; and also at" the last meeting, when I again moved to the same effect by way of an amendment to the proposals regarding compulsory metering. My proposition was to fix the ordinary or domestic supply charges at 2$ per _ cent on the annual value, with a minimum of 5/ per annum, payable halfyearly, with a yearly chaTge of 10/ for hose licenses in addition. Non-consum-ers, l} per cent on the annual value, with a minimum of 2/6 per annum; extraordinary supplies to be by meter at 1/ per 1,000 gallons, with " a minimum charge at the rate of £2 per annum. Tliis is a continuation of the system of charging that has obtained since the inception of the water supply, and in accordance with the by-laws then adopted. In comparison with Devonport's daily consumption per head, Avhich it is asserted is from 70 gallons upwards, our district, with its 18 gallons per bead, presents a most economical showing. Under the circumstances compulsory metering appears to mc altogether premature, and the additional expense entailed quite unnecessary.—l am, etc., J. T. FEARNLEY, (Member of Northcote Council).