THE WATERWORKS, AND THE MAYORALTY.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 2842, 21 October 1898, Page 3

THE WATERWORKS, AND THE MAYORALTY.

Yesterday the Mayor of Timaru invited the Borough Councillors and a few other burgesses to take part m the annual visit of inspection of the headworks of the water-race, and a party of nearly thirty drove out m two four-horse drags. The morning was rather breezy at the start, but the rest of the day was pleasant and cool. The drive through the bright green country, by Briegs 1 zig-zag out and. through Beaconsffeld home, was much enjoyed. On the way out Uie party halted on the Fairview roadjjto inspect a tail flume near the tunnel, and to hear the inspector's explanation of his proposal to make an alteration to cure a 'leakage caused by alternate expansion and contraction of the long iron flume trough. Later on they walked down the steep zigzag as I usual, and on reaching the race crossing walked about half a mile down it to inspect the plantation, and the repairs at a recent break away. For that distance, and further, the race reserve has been planted 1 with well selected forest trees, which are growing very nicely indeed. On the upper side of the road are short plantations of gums and firs, and these also have shot up well, while further along the race, and further from the road, younger plantations are beginning to make a show. The party left the drags at Siederman's, and walked thence along the race to the back of Mount Horrible, and then crossed to the upper hut, where a plentiful lunch was partaken of before walking on to the dam. The whole of the race inspected was m good order, and those who have been familiar with it for some years agreed that it is year by year, through improvement of weak places, becoming more and more substantial and safe. All agreed that the condition of the race is highly creditable to the inspector and the contractors ; while those who had not seen the race before could not restrain their surprise at the success with which the water has been conveyed round the rough and broken . face of Mount Horrible. . The dam was found m its usual condition of late years, nearly filled with shingle except a deep hole at the north end of the dam, while m the lower or cushion dam a large bank of shingle was showing. There was a good stream of water flowing over the dam, some inches ■ deep. The head works were found m good order, and no one appeared to have a suggestion that anything was needed to improve them. There are leakages here and there where the race is carried through rocky ground m the gorge, but these have always existed, and are reduced m number from time to time as opportunity can tie made, until there are now comparatively few. On the whole the race, so far as it. was inspected, and this was over the worst ground, is m capital order. On returning to the hut, further refreshments were partaken of, and then the usual " few remarks" were made, m connection with toasts proposed. Councillor Hole proposed the health of His Worship the Mayor, with a vote of thanks for the invitation fco an outing so pleasant as they had enjoyed. He spoke of the value of the waterworks to Timavu, and of the energy of the Mayor, especially as shown m connection with the drainage loan, and m recognition of this if His Worship again stood for the mayoralty they would all be glad to support him. Councillor Smithson. as junior councillor, seconded the toast. Referring to the waterworks, he said the late " outsiders " would soon be as proud of them as the rest of the borough ; and m regard to borough matters generally, with such a man as Mr Grandi at the head of affairs, the town must go on and prosper.

Councillor A. Mills said he had a little business to bring forward and this was un ippoi tun*- I'im- 1 > 'lo it. H* 1 had been askfd to present 10 the Mayor a requisition asking him to stnnd for another year. He had had the requisition for two or three weeks, but was advised to hold it over until this occasion. The requisition was as follows :— "ToJ. J. Grandi, Esq. Sir,— We, the undersigned burgesses of Timaru, recognising the valuable services which you have rendered to the borough during your two years' mayoralty, and the great industry and intelligence displayed by you m successfully carrying through the drainage scheme and the borough extension, hereby request you to allow yourself to be again nominated as a candidate for the mayoral office. If you will allow yourself to be nominated we pledge ourselves to do our utmost to secure your return," — The requisition was signed by 100 ratepayers. Councillor Mills said he personally would be very glad if the Mayor acceded to the requisition. Mr Marcus, stationmaster, spoke m support of the toast, and expressed surprise at finding that the water was brought from such a distant point to Timaru, and through such difficult country. He earnestly advocated a vigorous municipal policy, as calculated to be profitable m the long run, and suggested a few matters on which such a policy could be brought to bear. Councillor Macintosh said that they were all aware that he had announced himself as a candidate for the mayoralty, but m view of the requisitions to thfe Mayor and Councillor Keith, it was | no use his pursuing the matter ; and as ther« was a good . deal m the argument that the Mayor, having inaugurated the drainage scheme should see it through, or at all events shdw how it should be carried outfit was right that he should be left m the chair. Moreover some of JLhe new councillors had told him that they would like to have Mr Grandi as Mayor for another term. He might as well state, now, that he had therefore abandoned his intention to become a candidate. Councillor Keith said it would not do for him to be silent now, and he too must make an explanation. He had announced himself as a candidate on receipt of a requisition. When he received it, he pointed out that there were older Councillors — he mentioned Councillors Hole and McQueen— who were entitled to the office before him, but he was assured that neither they nor Mr Grandi would stand, and on this he consented. Having consented, m fair ness to those who had signed the requisition to him, he must see the thing through, and nothing but the ballot would put him out of it. If defeated toe hoped he would be found working as harujonioußly with the Mayor as he had done, hitherto. (Applause). His Worship the Mayor spoke at some length m reply. In, acknowledging the toast he mentioned that he had apologies, from tI»H borough solicitor, banker, and health officer, and Captain Bowling, who could not get away, and hoped that all, especially those seeing them for the first time, had been interested m the works and had enjoyed the outing. With reference to the requisition, he disclaimed all share m bringing about the extension of the borough. He had not actively opposed it, but had done nothing whatever to assist the movement, because m his opinion it would cost both parties a great deal more than the sentiment m favour of it was worth, and as Mfiyprof the. old borough he felt it his duty to look after its financial interests. He was not entitled to any praise on that ground. Referring to the drainage scheme, he mentioned the several steps that had been taken before the final and successful poll, and that the work was now m hand and was being carried out at 20 per cent, less than the foreman of works' estimate, which was 25 per cent, less than that of the engineer whose advice was obtained. The work therefore would be done well within the amount of money allotted for it. The requisition put him m a rather curious position. It was not his intention to seek I re-election, as he found the duties of the position took up so much time. When | he had a thing m hand he wanted to see for himself that it was going on properly, arid that took up time. He had again and again, refused the requests of individual burgesses to stand, and m the same way told Councillor Macintosh that he would not stand; and when, after that, .Councillor Macintosh announced that he would be a candidate, he was bound to persist m his refusals, and did so,, sometimes to as many as a ; dozen or a score a day. He told them that if Councillor Macintosh went to the poll he could not possibly do so. As Councillor Macintosh now said that he would not go to the poll, m deference to the wishes of the burgesses he himself would do so. (Applause.) He was pleased that Councillor Keith spoke m the manner he did, and if Councillor Keith beat him at the poll they would still remain on the best of terma. The Mayor proposed " The New Councillors," and Councillors Wilds, Mills, I McNab, Young and Hawkey responded. Councillor McNab said it would be a good thing if this picnic could be extended to more of the burgesses, to show them what an important asset they have m the water-race. Councillor Macintosh proposed "The Visitors," and remarked that they would see that there was and could be no foundation for the statements sometimes published m letters to the papers, about the race being m an insanitary condition.—Messrs Kent, Gillies, Marcus^ Storrier, Ferrier, Wagataff, and a Christchurch visitor responded. Mr Marcus proposed "The Councillors," and Councillor Thomson replied. Councillor Keith proposed " The officers present, the town clerk, and waterworks inspector," who acknowledged the compliment. "The Press " closed the toast list, and the proceedings were wound up with three hearty cheers for the Mayor. The teams were put-to about 4.30, and town was reached about 6.15 p.m.,. after an enjoyable day. Mr W. Ferrier was one of the party. He had his camera with him, and took a few snapshots on the way and at the dam with a kodak, and a group view of the party at the Korero.