THE LOAN PROPOSALS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4951, 4 February 1937, Page 4

THE LOAN PROPOSALS.

By their verdict at the polling booth yesterday the ratepayers plainly indicated that they have no wish to increase the indebtedness of the Borough, with a consequent increase in rates. This does not solve the problem that the Town Council has now to face with a water supply that may suddenly collapse. It is not our prerogative to attempt to dictate to the ratepayers as to how they were to vote in this matter, but considered it was our duty to point out to ratepayers the seriousness of the position, not only as it concerns the ratepayers, but the whole community. The Town Council has no desire to impose any heavier burden on the ratepayers, but its members would have displayed a deplorable laxity in safeguarding the health and welfare of the whole community had they allowed the present uncertainty regarding the most essential service to the town to continue. It is neither reasonable nor just to assert that the Council formulated its scheme without making a thorough investigation of all its different phases. The Council and its engineer, with the help of outside experts, have had the water supply under close consideration for the last twelve months. A scheme was brought down which was considered the most economical consistent with efficiency. The present system may last another twelve months~perhaps for a longer

period, but it would not be at all surprising if the reticulation between the town and the present source were to collapse at any time. This is not our own opinion, but that of experts. In view of the reports on the quality of the present water supply obtained from the Department of Health, it would be absurd to try and tap another source as suggested at the meeting on Tuesday night. It has been proved that this suggested source from the upper reaches of the Mangaokewa River would be much more expensive in the end to ratepayers. It was rather surprising to those who realise the danger that threatens the town through its water supply that the roads loan met with greater support than that involving the more essential service. Ratepayers must realise that something has to be done to the present water supply. As the Town Council has not received the necessary authority from the ratepayers to borrow money for this purpose, it is more than likely that the Health Department will force the issue without seeking any such sanction. By that time money may be dearer and the subsidy from the Employment Board not be available.