THE WATER SUPPLY.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13097, 4 May 1911, Page 2

THE WATER SUPPLY.

REFERENDUM RESOLUTION"

RESCINDED

The matter of the proposed referendum an the question of repairing tho large dam was next considered.

Cr Adams thought the matter should go to the ratepayers. Ho was the mover of the first resolution, to place the matter before the ratepayers on tho basis of Messrs Hay and Smith's report, at tho same time as the Roding river proposal. The latter scheme had been withdrawn, and a technical difficulty was in the way of giving effect to. the resolution. Ho moved that tho reference to the lloding river proposal bo deleted.

The Council agreed to receive the motion without notice.

Cr Adams said he would not be willing to repair tho dam without the sanction of the ratepayers. He did not think the wall was at fault but the foundations were. Apart from that ho considered the site of the reservoir unsuitable. The foundations were insecure, and Mr Hay had reported that the was was pervious. He doubted if the, wall could be repaired at a reasonable, cost.

Cr Snodgrass seconded tho msolu tion. Ho agreed that the n a ;tor should go to tho ratepayers, and ho questioned if a good job could bo madof the repairs. It would be dim !•> i to find a sound foundation. 'flu co-t proposed, £2500, would absorb half their revenue, and add that amount , the overdraft unless they raised tho rates.

Cr Harley said ho was not in favour of referenda on questions the Council should decide. Ho had no faith in referenda, and he did not think half tho ratepayers would voto. If people did not understand the position after all that had been said and written about it they never would understand it Tho other day five important issues were put to the people, and out of a roll number of 3000 under 2000 voted. Ho did not imean that he was for repairing the darn right or wrong. Ho agreed that all information should be obtained and the Council should then act on its own initiative. He moved as an amendment that tho resolution that a referendum be taken on the question be rescinded.

Cr Mercor seconded the amendment. Ho was against referenda on such questions.

Or Hampson said that was also his opinion. They should obtain reliable evidence on the matter, and if repairs wore possible, tlio Council should invite tenders, and it would thus have the best evidence possible. Cr Taskor was opposed to the Council being bound to any sum .is specified m the original proposal. The Council should obtain its own information He thought the work could be done for very much loss than £2500. Cr Fell supported the amendment. Ho would not bo prepared to go to tho ratepayers on xVlessrs Hay and Smith's report only. They wanted other evidence as to the possibility and cost of the repairs. They should get the best advice they could.

Or Korsliaw said thov would liavo to do something with the dam Ho had favoured the Roding scheme, but that was now impossible. Ho understood from information ho had received that a good foundation could be obtained and effective repairs made. Cr Bisley supported the amendm ™ nVe was °PP°. sed to referenda. Jhe Mayor said it was illogical to object to referenda. The Council, however, seemed unanimous that whether or not the matter went to the ratepapers further information was required. It would be possible to delay tho loan proposals so that tho referendum eoukl be taken at the same time after getting tho necessary information and so not add the expense of another poll I hey were at present bound by Messrs Hay and Smith's report. They had no other report before them except Mr Smith's amendment report, with which Air Hay did not agree. The amendment was then put and carried, tho Mayor and Crs Adams, and .Snodgrass dissenting. On being put as the substantive motion the amendment was carried.