PUBLIC MEETING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 1896, 27 November 1877, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting, convened by his Worship Mayor, to consider the advisability of ' borrowing £40,000 for the purpose of completing the water scheme, and £12,000 to purchasa the Gas Company's plant, was held m the Mechanics' Institute last evening, ; about 400 people being present. The Mayor (who was m the uhair) opened the proceedings by reading the advertisement calling tlio meeting. Ho said it. wus necessary to consult, the ratepayers m the matter, m accordance with clause 41 of the Municipal Corporations Act. Both matters weie of great importance, and he hoped every speaker would obtain a fair hearing, He then called on the Town Clerk (Mr Lough) to road tho report on the water works scheme as drafted by the Council for presentation this evening. The Town Clerk read tho report as follows : — "Borough Council Chambers, " Timaru, November, 1877. "Report of the Timaru Borough Council, m re Water Works. "The Borough Council, after a considerable lapse of time, consequent upon completing tho survey of the present water raco, plotting tho sumo, and preparing estimates, nro now m a position to present to tho burgesses the report of the Borough Engineer ; and having carefully considered the several schemes propoeed recommend the adoption of th^ estimate numbered 2, at a total cost of £40,000 sterling. "By thi3 plan it is intended permanently to finish tho race itself and tho works at the reservoir, and lay down mains connecting water from the reservoir with every street within the Borough, m order |that every householder can obtain an abundant supply of pure fresh water. " The Borough Council now desire tho burgesses to consent to the borrowing of £40,000 sterling by way of a special loan ; and m the manner as Provided for by sections 139 to 140 of the Municipal Act, for the following purposes, viz, : — Completing the waterworks as per Estimates (No. 2) £32,000 Supplementary Estimates for laying additional mains to complete piping through tho wholo town 2,000 Refund to tho ordinary account, and outlay to present date ... 1,200 Purchase of lands, &c, and ono year's interest ... ... ... 4,800 Total ... ... £40,000 ANNUAL ESTIMATED B.ECEIPTS. Water rate, at Is m the £ on ratoablo property ... ... ... £1,600 Special rate, at Is m the £ 1,600 Total £3,200 ANNUAL ESTIMATED EXrENDITUItE. Working expenses and maintenance £000 Interest on lonn at 6 per cent, and li per cent, remission of same ... 2,439 Annual credit balance ... ... 161 Total £3,200 "In compiling tho foregoing Estimates, allowance has been fully made for all known expeuses conuected with the works, fluctuation m prices m respect of cost of material, and by woy of receipts, the sum of £1600 named as tho* amount of special rate, allows of a fair deduction therefrom for incidental expenses and cost of collection and other charges; as also m the sum mentioned as the recoverable amount receivable from tho water rate, any sura derivable from supply of water to persons along the lino of race, or to the railway authorities, or for manufacturing purposes, has not been included. "The first year's interest is also made a chargo payable out of the loan, m accordance with the Act. "jj'roni the foregoing report little doubt can exist as to ttho desirability and importance of commencing the works at the very earliest possible date. Neither can there be any question as to tho inefficiency of the present supply for a population including fhoso residents adjacent to tho borough of between 4000 and 5000 souls. At the onset, tho amount of water appeared largo, but it should be borne m mind that before the works ara complete that amount- will be considerably reduced by receipts from tho supply of water to outside sources, and increase of the value of rateable property, and the special rato of Is m tho £ will, it may be fairly calculated, be reduced one-half. " The Timaru Borough Council have therefore every confidence m recommending tho scheme for the approval of the burgesses. — ■ (Signed) Gt. Cliff, Mayor, T. W. Fyfe, W. Bush, J. R. Stansell, W. A. Ford, J. H. Sutter, M. Jonas, John Jackson, . Members of Waterworks Committee. "Town Clerk's Office, " Timaru, 26th November, 1877." His Worship said those present had now heard a statement of the scheme. He bad gone through it most carefully himself, and believed it to be m every way a fair one ; but it was only right that the burgesses should be consulted m the matter before they wera committed to any expenditure. The rate might seem a heavy one at first sight, but it would lessen as the population i increased. He felt sure the scheme could be carried out under the £40,000. The rate was equal to 2s m the £ on all rateable property, viz., Is for special rate, and Is for interest on the loan. He thought, however, that it would be eventually reduced to Is 6d m the £. All calculations were based on the present state of things. If the scheme was carried out every householder m the town would be supplied with good water. The rate of insurance would also be considerably lessened, and their general health greatly improved. Mr Eci'ly asked how much the preliminary survey of the race had already cost. His Worship said £1300. Mr Reilly expressed it as his belief that that there was any quantity of water already to be had m the town if they went the proper tray about it. In reply to Mr Brownell, bis Worship said that the rate above-mentioned would include everything. In reply to Mr Rutherfurd, his Worship said C per cent, would be rate of interest for the loan. Mr Egan said the rate would como very hard on poor people, however much the water might be needed. In reply to Mr Bowker, his Worship eaid there would be no difficulty as to the title of the land taken for the reservoir or water race. All land needed could be easily obtained on payment of a fair price for it. Mr F. Cullmann said he would tell the meeting that the town rates were really something preposterous. (Cheers). He had paid bis rates that day, and they came to £24 10s. The property only brought him m £44 per

annum, and yet tho Council rated him at £120. The Councillors had not the slightest idfa what they were talking about, and if the water was brought m they would have to pay very sweeily for it. In reply to a question, Councillor Jonas said he had not signed the report presented, but it met Trith his views entirely. In reply to Mr Howe, his Worship said tho Council had power to levy as many special rates as the burgesses authorised them to. Mr W. Evans here asked that the Engineer's report on the waterworks might be read, as a number of people present hud never seen it. His Worship said the report was a very long one, and had already been published. If, however, it was the wish of the meeting he would liavn it read. The meeting decided against Mr Evans' proposition. Mr Hamilton asked how it was proposed to deal with the manufactories and other such places requiring a large supply of water. His Worship replied that that -would bo a matter for future consideration. In aiifwer to a question, his Worship eaid the race was calculated to supply twenty gallous per day to each person. Mr Purdie snid it would bo best for the Council if they first considered their drainugo and how to get their dirty water nway. Ha would like to know what people who eottled here some four or fivo yearn hence would have to pay towards the water scheme. Ho believed simply nothing. 'Timaru was far too young yet to gin > m for such a loan as that proposed. His Worship hod stated thnt befora levying a special raio tho burgesses must bo c insulted. If such was tho case, why was one struck a short time einco without permission P Their money should be spent m cleaving the Btagnant water out of such places as the- gully behind the New Zealand Bank, and when that was dono they might talk about their water scheme. His Worship Baid that the special rate referred to by the last speaker was for the benefit of only a few people, and not for the borough as a whole. Mr Tato then moved — " That this meeting endorse the action of tho Borough Council m asking for borrowing powers to completo the water raco." He said that there wore a great many people who were not supplied with water, whatever might be said to tho contrary. Ho oflen saw numbers going to the different wells, thus expending a lot of time and labor. If the rate proposed to bo levied would enablothe Council to supply the borough with wholesome and amplo water, then the burgesses should authorise it for their own sakes and those of their children. In paying so much money for good water, they would be reducing their doctors' bills. If they had a wholesome Bupply of water m Timaru it would become one of the most healthy towns m the colony, and a real sanitarium ; otherwise it must be a plaguo spot. He thought they should put their shoulders to tho wheel at once, and go m for the scheme m real earnest. Mr Brownell quite agreed with tho remarks of the last speaker as to tho necessity which existed for obtaining a wholesome and plentiful supply of water, but ho thought the town was not yet prepared for such a large expenditure as that proposed. It would bo two or three years at least before they could afford to go m for euoh a thin?. His Worship pointed out that the waterrace at Oamaru cost no less than £60,000. Mr Brownell said thoy heard of nothing but " Rates ! rates ! rates ! " Tho water-race was a question of far more than 2b m the £. Mr W. Evans rose to second the resolution. He thought it highly nocessary that the town should be provided with a good supply of water ns soon as possible. A fire might occur any day now, and for want of a proper pressure of water destroy £30,000 or £40,000 worth of property. With a fall like that from the reservoir the water would' put out almost any fire. Another reason m favor of the proposal was that it would reduce the rate of insurance. Mr Howe then moved as an amendment — " That this meeting do not endorse tho action of the Borough Council m asking for borrowing power?, as the present time is too early to bring m the water-race to Timaru." He said thnt tho borough had already gone to a very heavy expense over wells, &c, and so had many private people m the town, which was pretty well supplied with -water. They should have sowers before they had a water-race. The argument ns to the reduction of insurance rates was all bosh, as the companies would take good care that they fixed their premiums on the safe side. Councillor Jonas said that no one so far had come forward with real arguments m favor of tho water scheme. Those people who had spoken Against it (such as Messrs Bowker and Cullmann) would not have to pay tho rates themselves, but their tenants would do co. They ought to be the very last to oppose anything which would benefit the town, for they would be tho losers if it were not kept healthy, as their tenants would leave. He had heard statements mtido to tho effect that they had plenty of water already ; but if such were the case, why were applications being constantly made to the Council for tanks, which would m tho long-run cost much more than tho water raco ? There were many persons there that night who had como on purpose to oppose everything and anything which might bo , brought forward. (Uproar.) His Worship had already told them that they would not have to pay any rate* on tho scheme for something like two years. (Uproar.) Some 1 people, he observod, would not be reasoned with. Mr Reilly here rose to a point of order, but was shouted dowa. Councillor Jonas continued to say that he liked to speak his mind openly, and before people's faces. Before the £40,000 was spent the population of Timaru would be largely increased, and the rates more easily paid. There w«ra lots of places smaller than this which had got water races. He had much pleasure m endorsing the resolution. Mr Cullmann here rose to defend himself against the last speaker's remarks. Ho contended that he had done more for Timaru than Mr Jonas either had or ever would do. Mr Bowker said .that Mr Jonas's remarks were most personal, and no one but he would make them. Mr Jonas should remember that everyone was not making money as fast as himself. In reply to Mr Rutherford, his Worship said the first year's interest would bo paid out of the loan itself. Mr Webster seconded the amendment, and Baid that although he saw the necessity for obtaining water, he felt sure the people, as a rule, were not jet able to pay for it. His Worship then put the amendment, which was carried by 44 votes to about 20, and the original resolution lost. He stated that a ballot of ratepayers would be taken on the question. His Worship then called on the Town Clerk to read the report of the Committee appointed by tho Council to consider the purchase of the Gas Company's' plant, which was as follows : — " Timaru Borough Council. "Report m re proposed purchase of the plant, &c., of the Timaru Gas Company. '' In recommending the burgesses to authorise them to raise by way of special loan a Bum not exceeding £12,000, to purchase the whole of the property belonging to tha Timaru Gas Company, provided it can be obtained at a fair valuation, the Borough Council consider the following objects will be . gained : — "1. Lighting the whole of the public thoroughfares more efficiently and at less cost. " 2. Expending upon other public works of utility the sum now paid out of the ordinary revenue for gas. "3. Redaction m the price of gas to tha general consumer. "At the present time there are 40 street lamps lit with gas, at a cost of (for*

gas a^one) £240 per annum. l'his sum is paid out. of the ordinary revenue Fully double that number of street lamps are now requir. d to liglit the t.,wn efficiently. Thus the sum of £480 sterling per annum would, under the present circumstances, bn required to be expended out of the general rate for gas for street lamps. From the statistical information obtained throush the courtesy of tho Gas Company Direotora, it appears that about 3,000,000 cubic feet of gas is annually consumed. The Council are of opinion tint if tho gas works were m the hands of the Corporation, this could b- supplied to the general consumer at the rule of 15s per 1000 feet. After providing for inte est on £12,000 sterling at 6 pi-r cent., the proposed loan, olso payment of the itu/F required m manufacturing the gas, a smiill amount wouid n-main to profit, and m anticipation of the greatly increased consumption, no additional expenditure would be needed for the present working staff. "Tho Council would therefore ask the burges^eß to autUorice n, special rate of fivepence m the pound, to be levied, if required, to guarantee tho amount of interest m the special loan, although th« Council are fully convinced that the rate will not need to bo collected, it only being required as a guaranC "G. Cliff (Mayor), T. F. Fyfe, W. Bush, J. R. Stansell, W. A. Ford, J. H. Sutler." In reply to Mr Reilly, his Worship stated that some of tho Councillors were shareholders m tho Gas Company. Mr Reilly : Yes, and it appears that they make so much money out of it that they want to get rid of it. Mr Simpson suggested that some one of tho directors should come forward, and give his views regarding tho matter. Councillor Jackson said I hat the suggestion to purchase the Gns Compnny's plant !ia-.l not originated with the director* of Mio Gas Company. He himfe'.f was the originator of that scheme. Ho mi:;htbe asked if he were a shareholder, und he could 101 l (hem that he wna but a very small shareholder m it, and that ho had not ben influenced by nny other motives than the desire to see the gas works m the hands of tho Borough, ns he was convinced it would be for the public good. He had como to this conclusion by his having seen that gas works were being managed very successfully by tho Borough Council of Oainaru, and also saw that a great agitation wns on foot m Lyttelton for the purpose of tho Borough Council of the town obtaining possession of the gas works there. These were tho circumstances which had influenced his. opinion m favor of the purchase being made, for he believed that under the management of tho Council the ratepayers could obtain gas at a cheaper rate. It was a mistake to think that the Directors of tho Gas Company were anxious to get rid of their plant.. On the contrary, they wero very unwilling to sell it, and were putting a high price on it. Ho saw letters m the papers every day, attributing mercenary motives to the members of the Borough Council m moving m the matter, but he could assure them that these were all erroneous, and that the purchaso would be of considerable advantngo to the ratepayers, as they could then obtain gas fur 12s per 1000 feet, for which they were now paying 16s. Mr Howe said tbat the Council were proposing a very peculiar way of reducing (he Ttito?. They were now paying threepence iv the £, and thoj were proposing to reduce it to fivepencc. Ho believed this course to be unjust, and felt confident if the Borough Council took the gas works under their fostering care it would bo a great misfortune to the town. In answer to a question put by flfr Reilly, his Worship said that the Committco appointed by the Couucil to confer with the directors of the Gas Company respecting the purchase of their plant, had recommended not to proceed m tho matter. In reply to Mr Jones, his Worship also stated that ho believed the cost of the construclion of the gaa works was between seven and eight thousind pounds. Mr George Kimbor said that he believed the time had arrived when tho people should tuke borough matters into their own keeping. — (Great uproar.) The Borough Council were doing everything m their power to retard the progress and advancement of tho town, and since ho had come into it he had not seen it advance one step. He had seen places where men went and transacted tho business of the Borough Council for tho honor of doing so, but lu-re it nppearrd to him that the members of the Timaru Borough Council wero working for their own interest. He would advise ratepayers not to place any more power m the hnnds of the Council, and if they wanted to have a water supply to form a company ns they do m towns iv the Home country. The Council were spending the money they were receiving for rates on superficial works, and it was squandered away without any bonefit being derivod from it. He had a resolution to propose. His Worship the Mayor said ho could not receive a resolution from Mr Kimbor, as he waa not a ratepayer. Mr Kimbor (holding a paper m his hand) : There is my receipt for rates which I have paid this very day. (Great uproar, which lasted for several minutes.) His Worship said if persons paid rates when they were not required to pay them, that would not entitle them to move a resolution. I Mr Kimbor said he had been culled upon J to pay rates, aud he had paid them, and now claimed tho rights nnd privileges of a burgess. His Worship : Your name does not appear on the burgess' roll. Mr Kimbcr : Thou why did you take my money. Here is my receipt for tho money I have p-iid for rates— (holding up the receipt). Will any gentlomcn read this receipt and see whether it is not correct. A Toice : Read it yourself. Mr Kimbor : I will. Here it is : " Rcceivod from Mr George Kimbor £1 5a for general rates." (Deafening applause.) The Town Clork said that Mr Kimber was not a ratepayer and m his own absence had gone to the office and paid his assistant olerk. He would not have accepted tho money from him had he beon m the office at the time. Mr Kimbor : Do you debar me, your Worship, from my political and social rights by preventing me from moving a resolution ? His Worship : Certainly I cannot receive a resolution from you. Mr.Kim>or (retiring) : All right then. Mr Hill moved a resolution to tho effect — "That the meeting do not entertain the proposals of the Borough Council to purchase tho gas works." He moved tho resolution because he thought that if the Borough j Council were mismanaging things m a way that it necessitated paying threepence m the £ for lighting forty lamps m the town, it was time thoir power should bu curtailed. Ho believed if there was no stop put to them they would ■oon be sugge : ting to supply the ratepayers with bread and sugar and all tho other necessaries of life. Mr Dale seconded the resolution. Councillor Bust said he had beon a member of the Comniittoo appointed to confer with the directors of the Gas Company, but always objected, to tho purchase, and only went through the matter with tho othere. He objected to it from the beginning, aud would now advise them not to consent to the purchaso being made. As a member of the Council he had always aete-1 independently, and would not be led by the nose by any one. He did not care for anybody, and what he did he always did m a eoraraon-senee way. He was sorry they had notconsented to passing the vote for the water supply, as he believed it would be for the benefit of the town, and he had been always an advocate for it. As regarded: the gas works, the Act provided that if they did not buy the plant of the Gas Company they could build gas works of their own, and that was the course he would recommend them to take. It was eaid that by purchasing the Company's works they could effect the saving of £175 a year by dispensing with a secretary's salary, as the clerical staff of the Council could do the work. If this were so, he would like to ask why the Council had recently employed

an assistant at a salary of £3 per week. He had atked m his place m the Council why this extra expense had been innurred, but failed to g't a reply even from his Worship the Miiyor. It -was stated at first that the assistant clerk was to bo appointed for only three or four weeks, but he hail now been m the office for about sis months, and he thought there was something m tho matter which needed being looked into. Coumillor Jackson faid he thought it was I the duty of the Council to put before ratepayers any proposals which they might think would be for the public good, bnt the ratjpayers could reject them, and the members of the Council would go awuy perfectly Butirficd that they had dona their duty. Tho resolution was then put and carried unanimously. The Mayer said tbat a poll would m all probability be t»ken on both questions, at a date to be afterward) named. Three cheers were then given to his Worship the Mayor, and the meeting terminated.