PROGRESS OF TIMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2978, 12 April 1911, Page 58

PROGRESS OF TIMARU.

THE MAYOR'S REVIEW. TIMARU, April 10. - The steady growth of Timaru is indicated by the fact that 65 for" water services were dealt with daring the last two months. Forty-two building permits were issued, the total estimated cost of the buildings being £16,553. In a comprehensive review of the financial position of the borough, the Mayor to-night submitted figures to show that the contemplated further loans, amounting to £50,000, can be added to the present loan debt of £170,000 without increasing the rates. The purposes of the new loans are drainage and roading the recently-annexed area, and erecting municipal buildings. When these are erected the present offices will be given up to the Fire Brigade—- " the champion brigade." The existing loan debt includes the cost of improving the water storage from five to 20 million gallons. This work is now in hand. During the past year £1568 was spent on recreation grounds. The Public Library has about 1400 regular borrowers, The premises are already too small, and application has been made to Mr Carnegie for assistance to enlarge them. The underground drainage work is making good progress. There are 1198 premises connected with the completed sections of it. The council allows up to £lO in each case, and these payments will absorb £241,000. In the old borough the next leading work which the new council must consider is the provision of trams, and the Mayor thought a good system could be had for £50,000.