MOUNT EDEN LOAN.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 65, 17 March 1915, Page 7

MOUNT EDEN LOAN.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—l hope every ratepayer of Mount Eden has read and considered the full meaning of "EdeniteV letter in Wednesday's "Star," as it clearly shows the wonderful sense and ability of those who are opposing the .Mount Eden drainage loan. The sneers and exhibition of spleen in the first two paragraphs simply provoke a smile, bin the character of the writer is displayed in the third par. "He would neglect everything because of the war, and would like to pass on to those he calls "the hard-working slim-pursed ratepayers" the result of his own handi-1 work. " But the working man has more common sense. "Edenite" is magnanimous enough to admit "that drainage in the clay-area is necessary, and should be undertaken at the first favourable opportunity, but says the present is not a favourable time. Presumably "Edcnrte" knows better than the Auckland Drainage Board. Drs. Makgill and Beattie. and the Mount Eden Council, who unanimously say: "Now is the 'time, and it is imperative that the clay-area, and not only the clay-njea but other portions of the borough, be drained as soon as possible." And if "Edenite" would see the correspondence between Council and ratepayers be would be forced to admit that they, and not he. are right. Sir. I have always held that drainage and all thing* connected with, the public health are of first and most, vital importance, and any public body that neglects this matter is guilty of culpable negligence, and should be indictable for manslaughter for every case of death from disease traceable to their neglect. From his letter, it looks as if "Kdenrte" would neglect to call a doctor in a case of illness on account, of expense at this time, or would he rather a doctor's bill than a drainage loan? 1 admit his logic, "A drainage system will.not help us to buy the necessaries of life." but, it will preserve the health of the breadwinner and his family, and enable him by escaping illness to buy those necessities. I deprecate any attempt to make it appear that Mount. ICden is in any way handicapped by rates or made undesirable as a suburb to live in. 1 have frequent opportunity not only of seeing the best towns in the south, but of JiearTng the good opinion of men prominent in those towns, and Mount Eden is held up as one of the best residential boroughs in New Zealand. I can challenge "Edenite" and all those with him who oppose the loan to consider the wonderful progress made in the last few years from a Road Board without a passable road to the present splrndidly-roadcd borough, but if they are to win and "Edenite" has his way, Mount. Eden must suffer through neglect of drainage and properties depreciate in consequence. I want to emphasise:—l. Mount Eden needs drainage at once, not only in the clay-area, but in the closely-binJt parts of the borough—No. 1 Ward especially, where the old pan system stiTl so largely in use. 2. The "water extension is necessary to complete the system and enlarge some of the mains that are now too small, and cause a block or stoppage in the service at times. If this is not done the concession recently given by the insurance companies will probably be withdrawn, and the pre-' miums increased by 2/ in the hundred. 3. The roading loan is needed to give to other parts the same advantages as most of the borough enjoys, and it is only ratepayers like "Edenite" who would deny to others the advantages they themselves enjoy. But I would remind all those who have good rcjds that those for whom the vote is now bein<* taken are paying for their advantages. 4. The rates will not be increased for the coming year, so that the slight increase will not be felt for some time. The loan will not all be raised immediately, but from 'time to time as the money is required, thus securing all up-to-date advantages of the money market. Read "Eclenite's" letter, and ask if it is like yourself, and practical common sense will answer the question, and yon will vote for the loan and advance of Mount Eden on April loth.— l am, etc., , JOHN W. SHACKELFORD.