ADVANCE LOWER HUTT!

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 129, 28 November 1923, Page 6

ADVANCE LOWER HUTT!

LOAN PROPOSALS EXPLAINED

BIG SAVINGS; LITTLE INCREASE IN RATES.

In the course of a statement to-day upon the Lower Hutt Borough Council loan proposals, the Mayor (Mr. W. T. Strand) expressed the opinion that, although the amount involved was large they would be very favourably received by the ratepayers generally. The proposals he said, had been carefully thought out for six months past, and all estimates of cost and savings had been considered and the best expert advice obtained Many of the proposed works would, if carried out, result in a very considerable saving compared with the methods in use at presem. It was the intention of the council to make the utmost use of the hydro-elec-tnc power which would soon be available m the district, and this would mean very substantial savings in water suppi}', and particularly in sewage disposal. It was not proposed' to proceed immediately with all of the works, if sanctioned. Works would be undertaken only so far as it was economical to do so I'or instance, the change-over from the present system to the automatic electrical system could not be effected until the power was available, but much work could be done in laying sewers, etc. in readiness for the change. The council intended to make provision for practically all the portions of the borough which at present were not connected with the sewers. Development was taking place so quickly that it was necessary not only to extend the system' throughout the district but to improve the present drainage co that it would be capable of dealing with a greatly increased quantity of sewage. ROADS AND FOOTPATHS. At first glance, said Mr. Strand it might seem that the sum for expenditure up on footpath was unduly large, but the council considered that good clean, permanent footpaths were one of fcl,^ at6t necessiti<* « any modern boiough At present there were miles otw IV" l° Ut any Paths> whn*t others had paths of such material that they would be almost as well off without them. The money spent to-day on temporary paths would go a long way towards paying interest and sinking fund for paths that would give comfort and be ( a credit to the borough. "You propose to lay down your main road m permanent material?" the Mayor was. asked "Yes," he replied, "the cost | ;of maintenance on the main through j road is a great deal too heavy, and the dust nuisance, aggravated by fast moving modern transport, is most' unpleasant. As motor traffic increases so will ! the maintenance increase, and the dust ,as well. We are convinced that it will be most economical and pleasant to lay down a good road, and it is quite probable the future councils will extend it to other roads most used in the borough. Storm water mains were necessary in some parts to precede sewer drains, as there were places in the centre of the valley, such as Knight's Estate, which could not be properly dealt with until relieved from surface water. Then much better provision should be made for Western Hutt. As regards surface drains, the land between the station and White's line could be very considerably improved by taking the storm water from the hills direct into the river. . No one would think of questioning the i necessity or advisability of providing a ladies' rest room, and suitable conveniences for men, said Mr. Strand, especially in a suburb having the number of visitors that Lower Hutt has. WATER SUPPLY. The water supply was already a good service; from time to time the analysis reports have been excellent, and for domestic purposes the water was very good indeed. The proposals do not suggest any changes in quality other than I doing away with several dead ends now ! causing inconvenience. The present reticulation provided for a domestic service only, and that for a limited quantity, 'rhe new proposals were intended not only to provide a much better supply and one that would serve the borough for many years, but also to enable the residents to obtain a very substantial reduction in fire insurance rates. No doubt roads of a permanent nature would soon be laid, and before doing so it was necessary to have the water mains laid under them of sufficient size to meet the requirements Icf the future. The proposed alterations, I making all mains not less than 4 inches i in diameter, would give the residents and I the fire brigades a good pressure right ito the outslcirts. At the present rate ; of development this would have to be done very soon. To receive the advan- ■ tage of reduced premiums, it was necesi sary to apply the alterations to the whole | borough, and also to comply with the i requirements of the Fire Underwriters' ; Association in regard to the new station ' and a modern fire engine. The rebates j to be obtained by householders on insurance would for the present cover the interest payable on the loan. Every year, as the borough grew, this amount would increase. It was quite a good business proposition, and a much greater security for the borough from destruction of property by fire. Discussing the effect of the proposals, Mr. Strand denied that the new works would involve a considerable increase in rates. The whole question had been most thoroughly gone into, and by the relief of about £1000 per annum now expended by the borough on the Hutt road, and the great saving that would b 8 effected in the borough services and permanent roads and paths, very little (If any) increase would be necessary. "If we are to continue progress here," h 3 said, we must make the place as attractive _as possible. When we have the electric current the borough will be well lighted, and, having the whole place provided with good asphalt paths, drainage, and other conveniences, it will be one of the most attractive suburbs around Wellington. These are only some <>> the works that could be carried out to the advantage of the borough."