Water Supply Loan

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 45, 24 February 1936, Page 8

Water Supply Loan

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I attended a meeting called by tho Mayor for the purposo of explaining the object of the proposed water supply loans, and judging by the small attendance it is very evident that the ratepayers generally are not particularly interested in this important matter. Tho Mayor supported the artesian supply and Cr. Cameron supported Tiritea, while both gentlemen advised the ratepayers to vote for both loans. Cr. Cameron appeared to have gone into the subject thoroughly, obtaining data from various sources in order to strengthen his view that Tiritea, backed by the Kahuterawa valley, was tho best scheme to adopt, while the Mayor is a strong advocate for artesian supply, apparently not having any faith in Tiritea. Now, Hir, if we are to be guided by two gentlemen whose views are so wide apart, where do we standi Both are laymen. The Mayor says he has his opinion and the engineers have theirs, and the engineers may or may not be right. Cr. Cameron claims experience in regard to pumps and windmills over a long period. It seems to me, Sir, that at this period a considered statement by the city engineer would be of very great help to the ratepayers in deciding which way to vote. In my opinion it would be better to obtain expert opinion and cater for one big scheme, one that will serve the city for all time. Wliy tinker with the matter by obtaining small loans periodically? I am aware that the ratepayers have been approached in the past and that they rejected the proposals, but this is no reason why the major proposal should not again be submitted for their approval or otherwise. Cr. Cameron stated that there is more water running to waste at Tiritea than is supplied by the artesian pumps. We also have the engineer’s report for 1933, showing a waste of 9,000,000 gallons daily. Then, Sir, this being the case, it should be apparent to everybody that tho enlarging of the Tiritea supply is the logical solution. —I am, etc., E.H.S.