WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 60, 11 March 1911, Page 2

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir, —I notice my letter on the above has not quite suited the opinions of "Elcyjaj." Allow me, please, a little space and I will endeavor to convert "Elcyjay" into a "Jacyell." My critic says: "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

attempted with, some 17,000. Lathis not a tremendous argument against the scheme, and something for tHe - ratepayers to think over? Especially as Christchurch is situated as vre faro 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 _ Christchurch 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 existance? 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 "Elcyjaw" knows that our fire king and 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 "long-headed ScotcEman," or he would not say "Let us do now what Christchruch is doing though she has 40,000 of a population." It is all of a piece with his advice to me about the motor-car. Having said that "I could not afford a bicycle though I had desires for a motor" he tells me to get a motor on time payment!

JACYELL