PROGRESSIVE PETONE.

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue 85, 12 April 1901, Page 4

PROGRESSIVE PETONE.

In the last few years the borough of Petono has made great advances in municipal enterprise, and the residents have had solid proofs of the advantages that result from, a truly progressive policy. Tho municipal authorities have' been successful in the irianagement of previous' undertakings, and hivve consequently gained the confidence of -the burgesses. But, as is the case with all growing boroughs, the needs of Petone increase with its growth. The Mayor and Council are fully aware of the evils that result J from procrastination a,nd stagnation. \ Henco the ratepayers wiljl bo asked on Saturday next to endorso at the polls a | somewhat ambitious scheme of improve- j meuts. It is proposed to raise six special j loans, amounting in all to £38,500. xnis may seem at first sight a large sum for tho borough to borrow, but a careful examination of the several items will show that the borough authorities are fully justified in asking the ratepayers to sanction tho proposals. The most important of the six proposed, loans is one- of £25,500 for waterworks. The reasons for. this undertaking were clearly explained by the Mayor (Mr. Kirk) at the statutory publio meeting held on Thursday last. A high-pressure water service is needed for fire-extinguishing purposes,' and a liberal supply is also .required to work the drainage system properly. Petone has already gained in healthiness by its drainage system, and the ratepayers should , see that the sanitation of the borough is made as nearly porfeot* as they can make it. A large portion of the borough 'is not served with, artesian wells, and, as Mr. Kirk rightly said, "they would not be governing for tlje, good, of the whole of tho town if the people there were not put on equal terms with the people of other parts." The present time, too, is favourable for undertaking the work, while the Railway Department has offered to take water for a period of ten' years, the revenue, from this source helping, to reduce the interest to be paifl on the loan. A good aud reliable watersupply is a necessity in ft progressive town, o.nd the ratepayers Petone should not be afraid to assume responsibility for the 3£ per cent, a year whereby at the end of 41 years they will acquire full ownership of the waterworks. The other five proposed loans arei — £7000 for street improvement, £1500 for baths, £2000 for a Tqwn Hall and Public- Library, £2000 for extending the borough gasworks, aud £2500 for extending the drainage system. The Mayor pointed out that it was- impossible to proceed with the work of street improvement and extending the drainage system out of ordinary revenue, and as these are unquestionably urgent works there should be no difficulty about the loans. With regard to the gas extension, Mr. Kirk feels confident that the gasworks would themselves repay the extra outlay. Tho municipal baths and public library are distinctly go6d ideas, and should receive the support they deserve. The scheme as a whole has evidently been well considered, but unfortunately there was only a small attendance at the' statutory meeting. We trust, however, that the Petone ratepayers will redeem their character for civic patriotism by appearing iii force at Saturday's poll.