WORK IN THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20731, 16 December 1932, Page 18

WORK IN THE COUNTRY.

MANY IMPROVEMENTS. A MINIATURE CITY. The Eangiora County Council, which administers the surrounding district, has not been backward in improving the facilities of the residents and there is a long stretch of excellent concrete and bitumen road. The greatest improvement over the last four years has been tho installation of an up-to-date drainage and water supply system. The sewerage system was completed two years ago at a cost of £22,000, which was £6OOO below tho amount of the loan proposal. Mr W. H. Stevens was at that time borough engineer and he designed the system which was installed by Mr A. Moore, of Christchureh. Already 450 houses are connected to the system and the Borough Council has advanced £2OOO to 80 ratepayers by way of assistance. The pipes have been laid in such a manner that it is never necessary to dig up tho streets to effect repairs. Modern Services. The water reticulation system was also designed by Mr Stevens and cost £13,800. An unlimited supply is available to householders and no restrictions, are placed on its use. An outside garden tap costs each householder 7s Cd per annum, and for this sum he may use as much water as he desires. The Town Hall, which is purely a theatre, has seating accommodation for 600. It is built of concrete, has an up-to-date talking plant, and a central hot-air heating system. Tho return from the picture showings is sufficient to pay interest and sinking fund and other expenses connected with the hall. Pictures are shown twice weekly—on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and experience has shown the Council that British offerings give the best returns. The' library and reading rooms are in tho same building as the theatre and the library houses 8000 volumes. The reading room contains most of tho British and American periodicals and the New Zealand papers, and is open daily until 9 p.m. A Wealth of Endowments.

■ The firo brigade is a voluuteer organisation consisting of 16 regular men and having an honorary membership of 150. The motor engine was purchased for £ISOO, and the fire alarm system is of the latest design. The Council supplies tho plant and the station, and the brigade has complete control over its own affairs. In common with most Now Zealand boroughs Rangiora is wealthy in its reserves and endowments. Dudley Park contains 13 acres and is in the centre of the town. It was purchased by tho Council for £I2OO six years ago and accommodates the Rugby, hockey, cricket, basketball, and other clubs. Wrought iron and concrete gates were orected in 3929 from the proceeds of tho Jubilee efforts, at a cost of £250, and last year new dressing sheds in concrete were erected at a cost of £2OO. The Eugbv Football Club gave £l3O towards the "expense. The dressing sheds provide showers and hot and cold water and full accommodation for several teams. Victoria Park, also in the centre of the town, comprises threo acres and is laid out in gardens and lawn, with a band rotunda. The Rangiora Band, which won the last threo C Grade competitions, on summer nights..There are several other reserves and all, are put to good use. Tho swimming baths, near the main street, were erected 30 years ago and attract large crowds of swimmers from the surrounding district. The local swimming club has the use of tho bath for a nominal sum. Electricity Supply. The electrical supply comes from Lake Coleridge and is administered by the Borough Council. Tho amount spent on capital works is just over £12,000, and the net loan liability is about £4OOO. Most of the capital expenditure has been made out of profits and last year a new sub-station was built and the latest type of switch-gear installed. The electrical concern has shown a consistent profit since 1919, and the