LOANS FOR THE TOWN

Southland Times, Issue 19500, 14 March 1925, Page 6

LOANS FOR THE TOWN

MAYOR SPEAKS AT GLADSTONE. COST OF PUMPING BY ELECTRICITY. A meeting of ratepayers was held in the Gladstone. Hall last evening for the purpose of hearing the Mayor (Mr Andrew Bain), explain the Council’s proposals regarding the Dunsdale water supply scheme, the extensions to the gas reticulation in the town area, and the erection of tepid baths, for which the authority of the ratepayers is being sought to raise the necessary loans. The chair was taken by Mr Adam Hamilton, who referred in complimentary terms to the efforts being taken by the Mayor to make the Council’s proposals widely known among the ratepayers and residents of the town. The remarks of the Mayor were listened to with close attention.

In dealing with the water supply question, Mr Bain commented on a leader which had appeared in the Southland Times of that morning, and said he was certain there would be no reduction possible as regards the cost of producing electricity for pumping purposes when the power from Monowai became available. So far he said the Council had not succeeded in getting the Power Board to reduce its price to the level that the Council could produce it at its own switchboard, and that being so, he was of opinion that no reduction was likely. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Bain at the close of the meeting. The last meeting of the campaign will be held in the South School on Monday evening. WELLS AND SUPPLIES. To the Editor. Sir,—l notice in the Times of Wednesday morning a report from Mr J. M. Stewart, who distinctly states that there is enough water underground to supply the town, supposing we double the population. In another column Mr Fox tells us a different story, and also says that continuous pumping out of the well at the Tower will empty all other wells inside the town boundary, which means, I should say, that it would be useless putting down any more bores. I think the ratepayers are entitled to an explanation on this point, because it deals with an increase in rates. Of course, we can expect the Dunsdale scheme to increase them. But, I understand, if we decide on going on with the present system that there will be a considerable outlay for boring new wells, etc., which will, no doubt, also increase the rates. I think we should get an explanation here also. It is not at all satisfactory to have two men like Mr Fox and Mr Stewart at variance on this important subject. I am, etc., “RATEPAYER.”