SCHOOL WATER RATE

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1935, Page 3

SCHOOL WATER RATE

increases under new system.; DISCUSSION AT WEST END. Protests recently made by a combined meeting of representatives of primary school committees at New Plymouth against the introduction of water meters •were discussed- by the West End school committee last night It was considered, however, that insufficient time had elapsed since the introduction of the rate to formulate definite comparisons •on a yearly basis. It was mentioned that at several schools, attempts to prevent an increase in the consumption of water had failed. „ The chairman, Mr. F. E. May, reporting on the combined meeting, said West End appeared to be the only schoo. “breaking even” with the new waterrate, comparing it with the old rate, the cost to the school being slightly less under the new system. In other schools, a 50 per cent, increase was the average and attempts to conserve the water bad f During a discussion Mr. W* •. Wagstaff, headmaster, said that in the interests of hygiene more water should be run through, particularly at night. He was not satisfied with the present system of turning off the water at night. Mr. W. H. Jones said the borough council had expressed the opinion that heavy wastage of water was occurring in schools, West End being the worst offender. Though the consumption in summer would be greater, the six weeks holiday period was a factor. • . Mr May: I consider the protests have been premature. , The scheme has only been in operation a quarter. . The borough council will probably re ply to the deputation that the time has not been long enough for a fair trial. If it is going to cost the committees more there will probably be future concessions.