WHO HAS BLUNDERED?

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11785, 22 March 1924, Page 10

WHO HAS BLUNDERED?

NEARLYJEIOOO INVOLVED. QTAKI’S DRAINAGE SCHEME UNDER DISCUSSION. (Special to “N.Z. Times.”) A special meeting-of the Otaki Borough Council was held on Wednesday to hear an explanation from the engineer why house connections had not been included in the plan, it being pointed out that in consequence the ratepayers would be saddled with another £81)0 to £IOOO, perhaps more. The Mayor. (Mr Brandon) expressed surprise at the omissiqn, but had no wish to blame anyone. He, however, desired an explanation, which he considered due to the council. Mr Jickell said it was a fact that 4in pipes to connect with the mains Were not included in the scheme, simply because he had not been told that they were to be included. If the pipes were now to Jje included it would mean an 1 additional expense of another £BOO to £IOOO. He had never included such connections in any of his schemes, and it was recognised that people paid for their own connections. He emphasised the fact that he had never been informed that the connections were to be included. . The sum of £14,000 was his estimate of the work without house connections. If he had known the connections were required in his scheme he could easily have included them. ■ln answer to the Mayor, he stated some towns borrowed money to make connections. He bad adopted that oounse he had been used to, and instanced how Palmerston North had carried out its scheme without making connections when its mains were laid. It was recognised that everyone evenU Ually wonld have to connect- up. After a deal of discussion, the explanation was accepted and Mr Jickell thanked.