ONEHUNGA WATERWORKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9125, 6 August 1888, Page 5

ONEHUNGA WATERWORKS.

RESULT OF THE POLL. SPECIAL RATE AGAIN REFUSED. A toll of the Onehunga ratepayers (on the proposal of the Council to borrow a sum of £"2,000, to be extended over a period of twenty-six years, and to pledge a special rate of 3|d in the £ to secure the ropaynient of the loan) was taken at the Council Chamber on Saturday, and was rejected by a small majority, Mr. P. Clark was returning officer, while Mr. Henry Clark acted as poll clerk. From the opening of the poll the greatest energy was put forth by the supporters of the scheme, who worked most assiduously, and co-operated with the Mayor in order to carry the poll, but for the third time the vote has gone against a special rate. Several vehicles were engaged bringing voters to the poll, but the required number (214) in favour of the proposal was not to be got, only 195 recording in favour, and so the proposal was rejected by a small majority of 19 votes, more than that number having " ratted." In announcing the result of the poll, the Mayor stated that he had to declare the proposal lost, and he did so with great regret. That day would, he predicted, be a Black letter day in their history, and the advancement and welfare of the inhabitants had received a blow such as would take them a long time to recover from. The announcement was received in silence, and many were the regrets expressed. We understand that, as a result of the Council's proposal being defeated, the Mayor and six or seven councillors will, at to-nieht's meeting, tender their resignations.

On Saturday afternoon, at two o'clock, by request of the contractor, the Mayor (Dr. W. R. Erson), accompanied by a large number of visitors, proceeded to the pumping station to formally open the works. Mr. Brierly, the contractor, after making a few pertinent remarks, as to the importance of everyone present supporting the proposed loan, which was being voted for that day, called upon the Mayor to make a few remarks and afterwards to start the engine. The Mayor, who was received with applause, said he might say without fear of contradiction that never had any council or body of men encountered such persistent and unwarrantable opposition in promoting the future welfare of the town than had the present Council. In spite, however, of all opposition they had that day a complete waterworks plant, and it was to prevent the last effort of the selfish opposition, who even now desired to close the works, that they were trying to borrow the money and pay off all the remaining liabilities. The works were a credit to the town, a credit to the engineers who designed them, and also a credit to their fellow- j townsman— Mr. W. Brieriy—who has so ably carried out the work. His Worship then called for three cheers for the waterworks, coupled with the names of the engineers and contractor, which were lustily given, after which the contractor moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor, and also called for three cheers, which were heartily given. The Mayor then started the engines, and daring the afternoon hydrants were fixed to the fireplugs, and by meara of a length of hose, the water was thrown a height of 66 feet, which was favourably commented on, considering that only a few feet of water were in the reservoir.