BOROUGH IMPROVEMENT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4982, 15 April 1889, Page 4

BOROUGH IMPROVEMENT.

Sib, —I am pleased to see “ A Ratepayer,” in the Heeaid of Friday morning coming forward and advocating his views respecting kerbing and channelling our streets, but regret that ho so readily finds fault with my council for providing a so long-felt want, in the shape of a clean path to walk upon. We are doing our best with the limited funds at oar disposal to gradually dispense with the shingle paths, so long a grievance to ourselves and visitors. To kerb and channel our streets, as suggested by “ Ratepayer,” would certainly be very nice, but to do so out of our 4d rate is simply impossible. Such a work would mean at the outset a large loan authorised by the ratepayers, as the following estimate by our inspector will show, viz., to kerb and channel 2038 chains of street lines at £5, £10,190 ; for making and levelling the streets, say, £ISOO ; culverts for street crossings, £SOO ; and an invert to the bottom of all gullies, say, £IOOO ; or a total of about £13,190. The measurements are computed from plans and levels by Mr Dobson, 0.E., and as yet we have only 1019 chains of streets formed or partly so, leaving as above 2038 chains to make and complete. The above calculation provides principally for surface drainage, inverting the natural gullies with a half round concrete channel, half open so as the upper circle could be made from time to time as required, and simultaneously with a perfect system of drainage which sooner or later must be inaugurated in Timaru, and such system I hold should go together with the kerbing and channelling. As above pointed out a work of such magnitude cannot be grasped by the council without the provision of money specially raised for the purpose with the consent of the ratepayers. Until such ways and means are provided I am strongly of opinion that a few miles of the asphalt footpaths now being placed by my council will be appreciated by the majority of the ratepayers, who may rest assured that great care is being given respecting the comfort of the people and the expeditious and careful expenditure of the limited funds at our disposal. lam glad to see “ Ratepayer ” taking an interest in us, and thank him for considering areform that gives the council much concern. I am., &c., D. M. Ross, Mayor.