THE KUROW WATER SCHEME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23223, 22 June 1937, Page 7

THE KUROW WATER SCHEME

ro THE EDITOR Sir,—The figures that “ Barrel ” supplied in his letter of Wednesday last are somewhat incorrect. The first water scheme to be proposed for Kurow was for £I2OO, and, upon Mr Cuthbertson surveying and giving an estimate of the same scheme, his price was £2300, not £ISOO, as “Barrel quotes. That moans only an increase of £7OO on the last scheme, not 50 per cent. I should also like to point out to “Barrel” that every material connected with the present water scheme, including labour, has increased in price. “ Barrel ” also states that “most of the Kurow Vigilance Committee are not ratepayers.” Again that is not correct; 50 per cent, of the committee are actual ratepayers within the proposed area; 25 per cent, are residents in the township, which leaves only 25 per cent, “not helping to pay the’ piper." The Vigilance Committee was set up by the residents of the district to carry out certain duties which have been painfully neglected in the past; and I might state that these men have, everv one of them, filled the position admirably, thrusting their own personal duties aside for the good of the community and for the advancement of Kurow. If every man had the same ideas and ambitions as "Barrel," I am afraid Kurow would still be the same as it was 40 years ago. and still going back. If the proposed water scheme were costing eacli ratepayer £lO per annum, it would still be worth it, worth its weight in gold to every housewife in the area, besides supplying a bath more regularly than the present system of a “Barrel.” A living testimony to what an abundant supply of water can do is only four miles and a-half from Kurow and that is the resident houses at the hydro-electric works. Nine years ago the ground where stand the permanent houses and hostel was barren to a degree, and to-day—owing to an abundant water supply and a pair of willing hands—those grounds and gardens are a credit to those residing there. In conclusion. I should like to point out to “Barrel " that when (lie water scheme is carried and comes into operation the lime will not be fa- distant when an up-to-date drainage and sewerage svstem will be in every household and is that not what every resident and householder requires for a clean and healthy standard of living? Certainly not dipping water out of a “ Barrel "!—T am. etc.. Kurow. June 21 Advance Kurow.