NEWTON BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8056, 17 September 1887, Page 6

NEWTON BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY.

A special meeting of the ratepayers of. the Sussex and Surrey Wards of the Newton Borough was held last evening in St. George's Hall, Great North Road. Mr. R. T. Warnook, Mayor of Newton, occupied the chair, •nd read the advertisement convening the meeting. He stated that the question of a •rater supply bad been before the ratepayers on a previous occasion, but it had then been embodied in a scheme including other works, Buo'n as a system of drainage and the formation of the North Road. They had now to consider the scheme singly. He pointed out the great (advantage that an adequate water supply would be to the Boards affected, stating that the aaving in insurance rates would be such that the water would not cost them any bigger outlay than they were making at present. Copies of a neat sketch plan, showing all the lines of mains, drawn by Messrs. Boylan and Lundon, and the points at whioh fireplugs would be plaoed, were handed round to the ratepayers present, while a large plan was displayed on the platform. Mr. Warnock stated that the estimated coal) of the scheme, Including plant, fire brigade apparatus, and building, would be about £2500. The laying down of an efficient water supply would be a source of revenue to the borough, to the extent of about £300 or £400 per annum, besides which a saving of about £600 to the ratepayers would be made in insurance rates. In reply to questions, Mr. "Warnook stated that a sinking fund of 2 per Cent, had been provided for, and that the

water rate would be struck oyer the whole extent of the wards. Mr. London (Boylan and London) gave his opinion, in reply to « ratepayer, that a 3 inch main would be amply sufficient for all the purposes required, and that the system shown on the plans ooald be extended oyer the whole borough at no further expense than the coat of the additional piping. Mr. Warnock stated that the revenue derived from the water rate, if the scheme were adopted, would provide sufficient means for any further extensions that might be necessary during the progress of the borough. Mr. Faulder asked, as representative of the Richmond Ward of the borough, if that district oould not be included in the sobeme. The Mayor stated in reply that If the Riohmond Ward wished to join with the others there was no objection to their doing so by sharing the expense. Mr. Boyd asked if the City Council had not stated that they would not supply the Newton Borough with water for use during fires, but only for domestic purposes? Mr. Warnook stated that he had written to the City Council for a definition of the term domestic purposes,but had not yet got a reply, but he believed that it certainly included use during fires. He would, however, certainly not take any steps in the matter until he was assured that it was so. Mr. McCormick asked if the estimate of the rate had been made upon the present valuation, or would be upon the oue of the forthcoming year. On being informed that it would be upon the present valuation, he stated that he would oppose the scheme on that ground, as the present va'uation was an iniquitous one. Messrs. Boyd, Lee and Faulder spoke at some length. Mr. Web ley thought that the present meeting was going too fast, and he considered that the matter should be delayed until there was a certainty that the water would be available at all times and not cut off during any big drought, wheu it was needed the most. Mr. McMaster asked that if the borough of Newton contributed to the support of the City Fire Brigade if their services could be made available for the borough. After a desultory discussion about drainage and the formation of the North Road, Mr. Davenport spoke strongly in favour of the proposed water supply, which he considered would be a factor in the extension of the borough, and the consequent reduction of the water rate. Mr. T. McMaster then said that all present must see what great benefits would be derived by a supply of water, and he would therefore move, "that the Council be asked to take what steps were necessary towards the getting of the scheme as proposed." Mr. Mc» Cormick seoonded the motion, on the condition that the rate be levied on the valuation of ISSB. The motion was carried with only a couple of dissentients.