WATER AND SEWERAGE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 143, 19 June 1913, Page 5

WATER AND SEWERAGE.

RESULT OF YESTERDAY'S POLL

FOR CONTINUANCE 396; AGAINST . 487.

The water and sewerage scheme was again referred to a referendum of tho ratepayers yesterday, a.nd the popular decision lias given this ambitious yet worthy project, which has been such a controversial subject for the last two years, its quietus for the time being. The issues were as to whether the scheme, having; been initiated, should be continued or not. The result of the poll was announced by .Mr J>. P. Sinclair (Town Clerk) at 7.30 ■d'clbok; last night, as follows;-— . . Against continuance; ..... 487 For Continuance 396 Informal ... ... ••• 23 Total ... ... ... ••• ?06 Majority against continuance 91

Developments from the time the ratepayers expressed the desirability of a water and drainage scheme locally, the controversy as to the scheme most suitable for the locality arid at a cost which would not impose an unduly heavy burden on the borough, and more recently the consternation caused through the hardening of the money market, are all matters of common knowledge; but it ca;n be seen that an unfortunate set of circumstances has beset those who were strong in their advocacy of tho scheme. The recent announcement that the loan could be procured only at a dearer rate thaai originally arranged, and the fact that the ratepayers of Islington and Riversdale would be partially rated whilst not receiving any of the benefits of the scheme, have each had their influence in alienating the sympathy _of the public. What future action the Borough Council will take in the matter is, of course, problematical; but their deliberations on this subject will be awaited with interest. As the number of votes recorded will indicate, the polling was fairly heavy; and denotes that the rival parties displayed much activity in bringing voters to the poll. At seven o'clock the poll closed, and less than half an hour afterwards the result was made known to the public. In view of recent incidents, and the importance of the question, a crowd of people gathered in Market Square, anticipating a demonstrative reception of the result of the polling. _ Bat the announcement was received with unusual quietness, and as the customary speeches from the rotunda did riot take place the crowd gradually dispersed. When a poll of the ratepayers was first taken on the question about two years a.go the voting was as follows:— In ffl-voY of* 'a water and drainage scheme 526 ; against 390; informal 19 ; total 935.