WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 59, 10 March 1911, Page 8

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir, —I notice . my letter on the above lias not quite suited the opinions of "Elcyjay." Allow me, please, a little space and I will endeavor to ■convert "Elcyjay" into a "JaeyeE." My critic say_s: "He adduces no arguments against the scheme." Did I not point out that we here, with 4000 (or is. it 3500?) of a population -.could not reasonably undertake a work .which Christchurch only partly with some 17000. Is this not a tremendous argument against the scheme, and something for tlte ratepayers to think over? Especially as Christchurch is situated as we are in every respect—the same good artesian water and the same difficulty in procuring pressure water and drainage. I don't believe in blindly following others without looking for myself; but the men who built fChristchurch city deserve some respect from- us; they were not fools. Further, "Elcyjay" asks, "Is it not worth £65,000 to have our town supplied with water and drainage?" I say decidedly no, not with our present few to bear the cost. If we •were about 12,000 we might think ' about it. Though native-born (and ■consequently having a great love for this place) I have lived in some of the world's best towns, and know of, -and wish for good sanitary arrangements; but let us first increase our numbers. Has it not oftentimes happened that towns have foolishly rated themselves almost out of ex'istance? Does "Elcyjay" for one moment think that this suggested "convenience" ■ (not necessity) with its accompanying double or treble rate, will prevent the present rush ■of, our residents to the suburbs, .or .will it induce new Industries ,to start? Do not let us cripple the town in its infancy. As regards fire prevention, surely ' 'Elcy j aw,;'',; knows that our fire king ami street mains' are known for their . efficiency -throughout the- Dominion. I repeat that there is carelessness on the part of many residents in keeping their premises clean; yet even so, are^we not as healthy as our suburbs or any other town in New Zealand? It is easy to see that "Elcyjay" is no "lone-headed ScotcHmaa/' or be would not say "Let us &, now what Christchruch is doing though she ha& 40,000 of a population." 'It, is all of «. piece with his advice to me about / the motor-car. Havine said that "T could not afford a bicycle though I had desires for a motor" he tells me •to get a motor on time navtnnnt \

JACYELL