STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9024, 3 September 1907, Page 4

STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR.

A: "Lyttelton Times" reporter saw ihe Mayor, Mr G. Payling, yesterday, Jn connection with the'statement of the fehaircnan of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board regarding the Waimafcanri power scheme. Mr Fayling eaid that it would be not only unwise, but quite fruitless, to enter into any controversy over the matter in its exwbing condition. It would no doubt be dealt with by legal methods, and he expected that experts would be called in to give opinions on the scheme. Me considered that it would be better not to reply in any way to the letter. < \N OXFORD^iROTESTA meeting of ratepayers and residents of Oxford and the surrounding districts was held on Friday evening, Mv A. Meyers presiding over a good "attendance. Mr M. J. Dixon, chairman of the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board addressed the meeting regarding the Christehurch City Councils proposals for harnessing the Waimakaxiti. Mr Stubbs, chairman of the Oxford Road Board, said that there could be no question, that it would be of great benefit if w.ater could be brougiit down on to the unwatered landsSof the district. That could be done if the City Council would* go further up the river" to Woodstock. :-Jd% Hawke, a member of the Road Boards.stated that all the ratepayers bf the plains were at a great loss last 1 y^r iowing to the failure of the water supply, and they would be delighted if ibe City Council would go to Woodstocks Mr Cooper, chairman of the Farmers' Union and a member of the Oxford Road Board, said that the farmers of $ke whole district should do everything .possible to prevent the City Council damaging the district by robbing it of 'its* water supply. The Water Board deserved support in its endeavours to preserve their interests. He would fce delighted to see Christchurch enjoying tEe! luxury of electric light and power, but it should not ,be obtained at fhe > boat of the country. He moved — •" That in the opinion of this meeting of members of the Oxford Road Board and Water Supply Board and residents of Oxford and surrounding districts, the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board is taking a proper stand in protecting the interests of this district as'to water supply and irrigation and that every effort should be made to induce the City Council to take their intake up to Woodstock for their electric power scheme." The motion was seconded by Mr Hawke, and unanimously carried. Votes of -tfhanks were passed to Mr Dixon and to the chairman and secrefcary. '

showing how the city's scheme would affect the district. The Board decided to send copies of a circular referring to the scheme to all County Councils and Road Boards in the colony. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm