Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY. APRIL 29, 1937 NELSON’S WATER SUPPLY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 29 April 1937, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY. APRIL 29, 1937 NELSON’S WATER SUPPLY

WITH all the earnestness at our command we would urge all ratepayers to take the water supply loan proposal very seriously and give the issue their careful consideration. There is never a water problem in a year with abundant rainfall. The supply at the headworks is constantly being replenished and there is not the demand for water by residents. The measure of the supply is during dry periods of the year, which in Nelson are not always confined to the summer months, fhe situation then is desperately serious—no adequate water for fire-fight-ing, and the drainage system in certain areas threatened, apart from all the minor vexations and annoyances. I he Health Department. has power in the interests of citizens as a whole, to order a municipality to provide an adequate water supply. If ratepayers reject the loan it is well within the range of possibility that such an order will be made. Ratepayers well know that shortage of water for the efficient working of the drainage system may cause ill-health to many—-

such as sore throats and other ailments serious to some people—without reaching the stage of pestilence. With fire-fighting too, the Brigade’s ludicrous position : is second only to the ludicrousness of the position of Nelson citizens. We have now a splen- 1 did Brigade, well housed and j equipped, but it cannot, especi- I ally in certain periods of the year, j fully carry out the duties for which it exists.

j If the loan proposal fails and ! the Health Department enforces its powers, what will become of j the £35,000 subsidy offered by the Government to the scheme : provided outer districts are inj eluded? In the interests of public | health it may be expected to enforce the inclusion of Tahunanui, . but it would appear it would : hardly feel justified in doing more than is absolutely necessary and ! there would be little chance of ja subsidy. In the present | scheme the £35,000 has been : promised on sound comntonsense ! lines. Taking the wider view, the Government has realised the wisdom and fairness of a comprehensive scheme (Nelson has no more right to the water than Richmond) and it has agreed to subsidise the scheme in such a way that citizens will be encouraged to take the longer and better view which is in the interests of all and from which the city will reap a double benefit. ! Abundant water is available for all, the scheme has the approval of the best expert advice obtainable. The City Council is unanimous. The Government has thought so much of it in its wider aspect that it has promised £35,j 000 towards the cost. The r | Health Department is very conj cerned with the position as at present, as are also the underwriters, who obviously must fix fire insurance rates according to the risks run.