ST. KILDA WATER SUPPLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18766, 20 January 1923, Page 6

ST. KILDA WATER SUPPLY.

TO THK EDITOR. Sir, —Members of the deputation which recently -waited-on -the St. Kilda Council will nave read, \T_.h interest, ..the entirely novel excuse now put forward for the nonsupply of water to residents of the borough. If it is a fact that in 1910 St. Kilda made an agreement with the City Council; the conditions of which were never carried out, it would appear that the interests of the ratepayers have been disgracefully neglected ; but why ..is. an agreement of 1910 discovered only in 1923 i 1 ' Oho would also welcome an explanation from cno St. Kilda Council as to the increase in the water consumption to 90 million gallons per year—more than 10 times the. consumption of 1900. It is said that

a very considerable leakage occurs nightly, and it may be that by stopping this waste the present mains will be found sufficient for the borough’s requirements. 'lhe council might well look into the matter to the great benefit of the ratepayers’ pockets and convenience. Is there any good reason why the St. Kilda Council should control the local water supply? itesidents obtain their gas, electric light, and drainage direct from the city, and, if the St. Kilda water rales were paid to that body, it would guarantee to instal and maintain an.adcqaiato supply to all/ A pertinent question asked by the deputation. was whether the tit. Kilda Council considered it was justified in continuing the issue of building permifs when it was unable to supply the present population with water. The reply that the council is empowered by Act of rarliament to do so cannot be regarded as convincing, and it :s clear lhai. its action, if continued, will prove a serious menace to health. —I am, etc., H. de C. M’Aimniß. Dunedin, January 19.