ROTORUA DRAINAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12027, 25 July 1902, Page 6

ROTORUA DRAINAGE.

.PUBLIC MEETING. [feom our own correspondent.] ." A VERY largely attended meeting was held in Steele's Assembly Hall on Tuesday night to discuss the ways and means of getting the Government to complete the drainage system of the town. The subject had been freely discussed about the town previously, and, coupled with the influence exercised by the leading article in the HERALD of the 22nd Inst., every citizen felt it his or her bounden duty to be present. The hall was tilled, practically every iiouseholder being represented. Mr. W. A. Williams, who acted as spokesman at tne recent, deputation to tne Town Council, occupied the chair, with Captain, .turner, chairman of the Town Council, on his right. . ~..■••

In opening his remarks, Mr. Williams pointed out the purpose for which the meeting was called, the apathy on the part of the Government towards the state of affairs, and the need of the residents to strenuously urge that the matter be attended to at once ana the drainage system completed. He felt quite sure that : all landowners would be perfectly willing- to bear their snare of expense, provided they received the benefit of town drainage. They paid for the water and the electric light, and would gladly pay for drainage if they could get it. But as things were now. they could neither drain, their own premises nor connect with the town mains. Mr. A. E. Kusabs then moved the following resolution.-—"lt is the opinion of this meeting that, in view of the rapid growth of the town, the close occupation, and the approach of the summer season, the vital importance of the drainage question requires immediate attention, as no provision exists at present for dealing with drainage matter; and that the Hon. fair Joseph Ward, , Acting-Premier be asked by wire what are the intentions ol the Government with reference to the drainage works at Roterua, and this meeting respectfully begs to request an early and definite reply." Mr. Kusabs added that, as a member of the Town, Council, he wished to make it clear that the Counca had done all they could in the matter. The drainage was not in the Council's hands. They had endeavoured, as the local body, to get the Government to do the work, but had had nothing beyond promises. He recognised the very great necessity of completing this all-important work. . Mr. T. Bevan seconded the motion. Mr. Blackbnrne stated that when the previous outbreak of typhoid occurred in Rotorua the cases had been grossly exaggerated, and many people had been deterred from coming to visit the place. These exaggerated reports had even reached Christchurch; and the very, fact that there was no' complete drainage system in the town was enough to lose to Rotorua visitors from all parts of the country. M .- D. London pointed out that with the rapidly-increasing town the present drainage system was far too small, and called for enlargement as well as completion. The motion was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. Mr. C. Crowther then proposed, "That as the necessity for an effective drainage system to the town is a matter affecting the interests of the whole colony, a letter should be forwarded to each member of the House of Representatives asking them to insist upon having the drainage work put in thorough working order at once." Several present spoke on this motion, which was also carried unanimously. Mr. N. Spencer then proposed, " That a committee of 12 members, with power to add to their number, be elected to convey the resolutions passed at this meeting to the proper quarter in suitable terms, and that this committee hold office for 12 months to watch the general interests of the town, and bring forward from time to time any questions that may arise." He would also impress upon the meeting the necessity of appointing only those who have the interests of Eotorua at heart. Mr. D. Lundon proposed, as an amendment, " That a committee of five members be appointed, to be called a vigilance committee, whose duties would be to watch the Town Council and bring forward at a public meeting matters of interest and benefit to Rotorua."

Exception was taken to Mr. Lnndon'a amendment by Mr. McLean. It was a needless insult to form a vigilance committee to watch the Town Council. When the deputation had approached the Town Council re this drainage easiness, it had met with every courtesy and consideration from the Council. Surely they could trust the members of the Council elected by the residents to work in their interests. The Town Council had no control over the drainage, and the purpose of the meeting was to find out where the fault of the incomplete and unsatisfactory state of the drainage lies, and push the matter forward in the proper direction. '

After further comments by various gentlemen, Mr. Lnndon's amendment was put to the meeting and lest, the original resolution being carried by 16 votes.

Mr. Gardner suggested that steps should be taken to form a Progressive Association, an' that all the gentlemen present become members; that they elect a committee to meet once a month in order that the interests of the town should be thoroughly considered; and that every adult should have a say in those matters of welfare to the town. Mr. I). P. Lundon proposed that the meeting urge upon Government the necessity of having a larger water supply. It was pointed out that this matter went hand in hand with the drainage scheme, for without an extended water supply the drainage could not be completed. The resolution was carried. , s: The committee were then elected as follows:—Messrs. T. Bevan, D. Lundon, J. Melville. Harp. W. Swan son, W. A. "Williams \ A. Maxwell. J. McLean. P. Goodaon,' N Griffiths, J. Manwe, and H. J. Blocmfield.